Riyadh – “Gambia on Track to Host OIC Summit”, Says Barrow

President Adama Barrow and a delegation of Gambian officials have on Sunday held talks in Riyadh with Yousef Al-Othaimeen, secretary-general of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). During the discussions, President Adama Barrow has assured the OIC secretary-general that The Gambia is “on track” to host the next summit in 2022.

“The president also affirmed his dedication to the OIC’s commitment to combatting terrorism and extremism,” the Gambian presidency said in a statement.

In a statement he released after the meeting, the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation’s Secretary-general, Al-Othaimeen, said his discussions with President Barrow focused on peace, security, and the Muslim nation’s anti-terrorism position. The OIC top official praised the president and the Gambian government for “their efforts in ensuring the summit’s success,” the statement added.

President Adama Barrow and his delegation arrived in Riyadh on Sunday on the last stage of their visit to Saudi Arabia. They were received at King Khalid International Airport by Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz.

During his visit to the Saudi capital, the president will inaugurate the new Gambian embassy and ambassador’s residence, in addition to other engagements.

Barrow arrived in the Saudi Kingdom on Wednesday and visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. The next day, the president went to Makkah to perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque.

During his stay in Makkah, Barrow met the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) President, Dr. Bandar Hajjar, and discussed relations between the two countries.
The meeting addressed the development cooperation between the IDB and The Gambia in various sectors.