President Adama Barrow has announced that the OIC summit will now be held in May 2024 following his return from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, where he was accompanied by Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow and government delegation to attend the Saudi-Africa Leaders’ Summit and OIC Extraordinary Summit on the War on Gaza hosted by His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
President Barrow says this decision follows engagements with the Head of State and the OIC Secretariat in Saudi Arabia to move the hosting of the OIC Summit, scheduled for December 2023, to the 5th of May 2024. This is the latest in a series of rescheduling of the Gambia’s hosting of the Summit since 2019.
He said the decision will ensure proper preparation for a successful hosting.
While in Saudi Arabia, the President also joined several other world leaders at the OIC Extraordinary Summit on the Israel-Palestine war on Gaza, which has, so far, leftover 11,000 Palestinians killed. President Barrow called for an immediate ceasefire and releasing all hostages through dialogue to reduce the tension.
He said the Saudi government is committed to partnering with Africa in diverse areas, including getting domestic workers from Africa to work in Saudi, but with laws that will protect workers.
Several Saudi dignitaries called on President Barrow in Riyadh to discuss bilateral and diplomatic issues of mutual concern. They include the Islamic Development Bank, the Secretary General of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, the Secretary General of the OIC, Hussein Brahim Taha, and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre officials.
President Barrow described this latest official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as engaging with top Saudi officials more than any other trip.
