OIC Press Release

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have on Thursday 13 Dhul Qaada 1423 H (16 January 2003) signed a Cooperation Agreement. The signing of the agreement stemmed from the desire by the two Organizations to achieve their common objectives in the light of their responsibilities.

Secretary General of the OIC, Dr. Abdelouahed Belkeziz signed for the OIC, while the Director General of IOM, Brunson Mckinley signed for his Organization.

The agreement contained six items prominent among which are: cooperation and consultation between the two Organizations on matters of joint interest; and attendance by the two Organizations of each other's meetings and conference as observers. Other items of the agreement include coordination of efforts on achieving maximum advantage from the exchange of immigration-related information and documents; and consultations when either of the Organization embarks on the implementation of programmes or activities that are of interest to the other. The agreement also provided for the exchange of views on areas of technical cooperation and making available experts on immigration, issues of brain drain, combating trafficking, capacity building and strengthening organized immigration.

The International Organization for Migration is an Intergovernmental Organization established in 1951, and based in Geneva, with membership of a number of countries. The IOM is concerned with rights of immigrants all over the world, and with finding ways to rehabilitate legal immigrants. The Organization also deals with issues of legal and forced immigrations.