The Twenty-fifth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (Session for a Better Future for the Peoples of the Islamic Ummah) held in Doha, State of Qatar, from 17 to 19 Dhul Quida 1418H (15-17 March 1998),

Recalling Resolution No. 8/8-E (IS) adopted by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

Recalling also Resolution No. 8/24-E adopted by the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers;

Noting with concern the grave situation caused by natural disasters, drought and desertification, and the ensuing damaging effects on economic and social conditions specially in the sectors of agriculture and food, economic and social infrastructures as well as public services and utilities;

Noting with satisfaction the efforts made by some Member States and the Islamic Development Bank which have extended and continue to extend technical and financial assistance as well as food aid to Member States stricken by drought and natural disasters;

Fully aware that afflicted Member States, belonging as they do to the category of the Least-Developed, cannot by themselves, bear the growing burden of anti-drought and anti-desertification campaign and the implementation of major related projects;

Having taken note of the recommendations of the Twenty-first Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having considered the report of the Secretary General,

1. Expresses its gratitude to Member States, which have provided and are still providing assistance and food aid to the Member States affected by drought and natural disasters.

2. Expresses also its gratitude to IDB for its continuing assistance to Member States afflicted by drought and natural disasters and encourages the Bank to continue its assistance in this domain.

3. Appeals to the International Community also to extend assistance to Member States struck by drought and natural disasters.

4. Calls upon the Member States and OIC Institutions to extend assistance to OIC countries of Inter-governmental Authority for Development and the Campaign Against Drought (IGAAD) and Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) to enable them to overcome the difficult situation which is threatening them.

5. Requests the General Secretariat, the IDB and the International Islamic Relief Agency to convene a meeting in coordination with UN Specialised Agencies (particularly the Office of the International Decade for the Prevention of Natural Disasters ("INDR") of the UN Department for Humanitarian Affairs, in the framework of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Prevention, with a view to organizing a meeting of experts entrusted with examining and recommending appropriate measures aimed at preventing and alleviating the effects of natural disasters in Bangladesh and other Member States affected and threatened by natural disasters.

6. Requests the Secretary General to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-sixth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.

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