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Secretary General of Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) meets with Cabinet Minister

CAB 100-10
22 June 2010

Today, Baroness Syeda Warsi, the first British female Muslim Cabinet Minister, met the Secretary General of the OIC, Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsangolu in London. They discussed means to further co-operation on issues of mutual interest between the UK and the OIC, of which there are many.

Baroness Warsi informed the Secretary General that the Foreign Secretary William Hague had appointed HM Consul General in Jeddah, Kate Rudd, as the UK’s Special Representative to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Since his appointment, the Foreign Secretary has made clear the importance he places on the UK's relationship with the Middle East and the Gulf.

Ms Rudd's appointment further confirms the UK's commitment to these relationships, and those with other Muslim countries. As Special Representative to the OIC, Kate Rudd will broaden and deepen the UK’s partnership with Muslims around the world.

Following the meeting, Baroness Warsi said:

“I was delighted to welcome Professor Ihsanoglu to the UK, and to discuss how the UK could work better with the OIC. The appointment of a Special Representative to OIC is one important way that we are seeking to build linkages with this important organisation.”

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