The fifth session of the high-level joint committee on implementing cooperation agreement between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) kicked off Monday at the pan-Arab body premises.

The two-day meeting is chaired under Political Undersecretary General of the AL Fadel Jawad and Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs at the OIC Abdullah Alem.

The meeting follows up what was implemented from recommendations issued by the fourth session of the joint committee, which was held in Jeddah in December 2014, along with joint cooperation to support the Palestinian cause, the human rights filed and efforts to support Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Syria and Somalia.

Speaking at the opening session, Jawad said that the meeting acquires special importance as it is held amid daunting challenges facing the region, including terrorism and armed conflict along with other reasons which pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the region.

He also said that the current cooperation between the AL and the OIC is held at the ministerial level, adding that it is important to activate follow-up mechanisms to activate activities and decisions, which are issued by the sessions of the joint committee to attain the aspired goals.

Allem, for his part, underlined the importance of coordination between the two bodies in the issues of mutual interest in order to reach a joint stance in this respect.

He also pointed out to the efforts exerted by the OIC in the Palestinian cause, the Syrian crisis along with the conditions in Yemen, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and terrorism.

Talking about Palestine, Allem underlined the importance of continuing efforts by the two organizations to support the Palestinian nation and confront Israeli settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Regarding the situation in Syria, Allem said that the OIC affirms the importance of protecting Syria's unity and integrity and urged all parties to implement UNSC's resolutions in this respect.

Concerning the situation in Yemen, Allem said that the OIC supports international and regional efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis.

The OIC supports the legitimate government of President Abd Rabo Mansour Hadi, he affirmed.

Sources: MENA