The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) secretary general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called on President General Pervez Musharraf here on Tuesday. During the meeting, President Musharraf said Pakistan would give full support and assistance to new OIC Secretary General in his undertaking the reforms to the organisation as mandated by OIC member states.

President Musharraf said the organisation had 57 member states, located in the heart of the globe, yet the OIC would have to assume higher profile to make the organisation more effective.

The President said the OIC could act as a catalyst in fostering the socio-economic development and scientific & technological advancement in the Muslim world.

He said efforts needed to be intensified to avert tensions between the west and the Islamic countries, and to promote co-existence between them.

"The way forward is Enlightened Moderation not the confrontation" the President said.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005