The United Arab Emirates has been named member of the Executive Council of the Federation of News Agencies of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, Member States.

This came during the 5th session of the General Assembly of the International Islamic News Agency which the OIC member states have agreed to turn to a Federation.

New nine states have been named as new members during the GA meeting along with the UAE in addition to the permanent members, which include the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, State of Palestine and the OIC.

The new nine members are Oman, Djibouti, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Benin, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia.

Among topics discussed during the GA meeting was the news agencies’ role in countering terrorist and Islamophobic narrative, and participation in the OIC prize to recognise the work of outstanding media professionals.

The IINA Executive Council and General Assembly meeting also addressed news agencies’ role in supporting implementation of the OIC Special Media Programme Highlighting Africa’s Position and Role in the Muslim World.