Liberia has applied for membership to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

According to a dispatch from Riyadh, Liberia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Dr. Brahima D. Kaba presented his application when he met with the Secretary-General of the OIC, His Excellency Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani recently.

During the meeting, Mr. Madani informed Ambassador Kaba that Liberia’s application is being positively considered at the highest level, stressing that authorities concerned are working assiduously towards the actualization of the country’s membership.

The Liberian envoy also used the opportunity to convey greetings of Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirrleaf to the OIC through its Secretary-General, Mr. Madani.

The OIC is a socio-political organization whose membership is drawn largely of Muslim and non-Muslim countries who share common interests in furthering understanding and peaceful dialogue between all nations.

Current membership of the OIC comprises 13 of the 15 ECOWAS countries in addition to all of northern Africa and several central and southern African countries.

One of the major benefits of the OIC membership is that it gives direct access to large financial resources and facilities of the Islamic Development Bank, another important Saudi institution which operates mainly in the areas of economic and financial assistance to member countries.

Meanwhile, the next meeting of the OIC is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in June 2017 at which time Liberia’s application and membership are expected to be finalized.

In another development, the Embassy of Liberia near Riyadh has received its newly commissioned minister counselor, Mr. Abu Kamara, who was recently transferred from Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

At a reception held at Ambassador Kaba’s residence, in the presence of staff and representatives of the Liberian community there, Dr. Kaba welcomed the new deputy chief of mission and used the occasion to urge staff members   to work as a team in the best interest of the Liberian foreign service.

Ambassador Kaba indicated that Mr. Kamara’s assignment is a testimony of government’s strong commitment towards strengthening the country’s foreign service and therefore urged the staff to work cooperatively within the confines of respecting the customs and laws of the host country.

He also stressed the need for the staff to work diligently in helping to promote the good image of Liberia and to enhance the already existing cordial relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as other gulf states.

In response, the new deputy chief of mission expressed thanks and appreciation to Ambassador Kaba and staff and assured his full cooperation in the discharge of his duties.