DiplomaticQuarter: Pakistan establishes permanent mission to OIC

OIC chief Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen with Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s newly appointed permanent representative to the OIC. (Supplied)
Updated 05 December 2019
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DiplomaticQuarter: Pakistan establishes permanent mission to OIC

JEDDAH: Pakistan’s newly appointed permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh presented his credentials to OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah.

A presentation of credentials by Sheikh marked the establishment of Pakistan’s dedicated permanent mission. Previously, Islamabad’s representation to the OIC was established in Riyadh.

The establishment of the new mission, coinciding with the golden jubilee of the OIC, is based on a system-wide approach reflecting Pakistan’s intent to deepen and strengthen its engagement with the OIC.

As a founding member, Pakistan attaches great importance to the OIC, which is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN. 

The OIC has maintained a record of consistent support to the Kashmir cause. 

Pakistan also remains one of the largest beneficiaries of financial assistance afforded by the Islamic Development Bank group, which is a specialized organ of the organization. 


Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day with displays, special events

Updated 11 March 2026
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Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day with displays, special events

  • Nation goes green in show of unity, belonging
  • Current design of the flag, which represents unity and sovereignty, was adopted in 1937

RIYADH: A new art exhibition has opened at King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, as the country celebrates Flag Day, which fell on Wednesday.

The event, titled “In Love with Green,” is being held in collaboration with the Saudi Art Association and features 20 fine art paintings inspired by the Saudi flag, as well as other cultural and contemporary images and landmarks.

The current design of the flag, which represents unity and sovereignty, was adopted in 1937. It features the Shahada and a sword symbolizing justice and safety, representing the unification of the Kingdom during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

The exhibition, at the library’s services branch and reading halls on Khurais Road, was opened by the library’s Director General Bandar Al-Mubarak and the association’s board chair Hanaa Al-Shibly.

Visitors can attend from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Elsewhere in the country, public spaces and buildings have become a sea of green for Flag Day.

In Al-Baha, government buildings, squares and main roads were decorated with green lighting and national flags were hoisted in public squares.

It was a similar picture in Makkah, where people celebrated the annual show of pride and belonging against a green backdrop.

In Tabuk, authorities installed more than 7,000 flags along roads, squares and bridges, while the region’s landmarks and tunnels were illuminated with green and white lights.

More than 10,000 Saudi flags were also hoisted in Jazan, where Souk Al-Awalin in Jazan City is set to host a range of events and performances to mark the special occasion.