A major regional summit hosted by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah and starting in Makkah tomorrow (August 14), will make history by shaping the political, economic and social realities facing the region, said Bahrain’s Prime Minister.

HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa added the two-day Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) summit was not just a gathering of Arab and Islamic nations, but would be a test for the security capabilities of the region and a key opportunity to find solutions internally and without foreign interference.

Arab and Islamic leaders have a tough road ahead of them as they prepare to tackle these crucial issues, and they should enforce strict decisions to ensure safety and stability amidst some countries interfering in the internal affairs of others, particularly Gulf nations, Prince Khalifa said.

He also expressed his hope that the summit would come up with substantial resolutions to preserve the unity and security of the Arabian and Islamic land and prevents the dangers it faces such as risks of civil wars and sectarian tensions.

"Today we are witnessing an unprecedented event, for each country has been busy, or unfortunately involved itself, with internal problems and there hasn't been an Arab and Islamic presence," he told our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej editor-in-chief Anwar Abdulrahman.

"Despite the human rights violations several Arab and Islamic nations are facing, which demands a united front to tackle the issue, we have not seen an Arab or Islamic movement as of yet.

"Let the calls for co-operation between Arab and Islamic countries be sent from Saudi Arabia to support Arab and Islamic causes and to put our co-operation back on the right path."

Prince Khalifa spoke of the importance of the summit and it being held during the difficult times faced by several Arab and Islamic nations, its goals, expectations, progress in co-operation between Islamic countries and Bahrain's stance towards the summit.

It will be held in Makkah during the last 10 days of the Holy month of Ramadan. The aspiration of every Muslim is that the summit will come up with resolutions for Arab and Islamic nations to become more united, amid external and internal threats and sectarian tensions, said the Premier.

He said this exceptional initiative comes as part of efforts to regain a united Islamic front to face adversity and challenge those who have downplayed the capabilities of Arab and Islamic countries or manipulated with its people and sacrificed Muslim and Arab blood.

He reassured Bahrainis and residents that the summit would provide the region with a historic opportunity to push forward with efforts to resolve challenges facing the Arab and Islamic countries and overcome internal and foreign obstacles.

He stressed there was great confidence in regional leaders to tackle the critical issues on the summit's agenda, particularly amidst some nations facing political crisis, risks of entering a civil war and genocide.

Prince Khalifa confirmed that Bahrain fully supports and stands behind any Arab and Islamic effort that aims to create further co-operation and unity which would pave the way for a united Arab and Islamic world.

However, he hoped the summit would bring about solid decisions that would ensure safety and stability in the region, particularly as Arab and Islamic countries, especially Gulf nations, have suffered from interventions in their internal affairs.

He confirmed the summit was a vital initiative that has come at an opportune time through invitation by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is regionally and internationally known for his key roles in supporting Arab and Islamic causes.

It also comes at a time when Muslims across the globe look upon Arab leaders to make crucial decisions towards uniting the Arab world and contributing to its development and success.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' initiatives and his continued services to his people and Arabic and Islamic nations are highly appreciated, as have been his predecessors the Kings of Saudi Arabia, since the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who united Saudi Arabia, HRH the Premier emphasised. – TradeArabia News Service