OIC chief holds talks with foreign ministers in New York

The OIC Contact Group on Rohingya Muslims, chaired by OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, met in New York during the UN General Assembly session. (Supplied)
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Updated 24 September 2023
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OIC chief holds talks with foreign ministers in New York

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha recently met Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani.

The two officials met on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The discussions focused on the relations between the OIC and Pakistan, as well as important topics on the OIC agenda such as the Palestinian issue, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and efforts to combat Islamophobia.

Gilani expressed appreciation for OIC’s important role in defending these causes.

In a separate meeting, Taha also held talks with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen who told him that his country proposed a law criminalizing the desecration of holy books.

Taha also engaged in discussions with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. During the meeting, Rasmussen informed Taha about Denmark’s proposal to enact a law that would criminalize the desecration of holy books.

Taha reiterated the OIC’s stance on acts such as the burning and desecration of copies of the Holy Qur’an, as outlined in the decision of the 18th extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

He emphasized that the organization urges relevant countries to implement measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of such behavior.

Taha also praised the step taken by Denmark in this regard.

The OIC chief also had a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and discussed enhancing cooperation between the OIC and Iran, as well as strategies to strengthen joint Islamic efforts.

They also addressed various topics of mutual concern, including the Palestinian cause, the situation in Afghanistan, and the OIC’s initiatives to combat Islamophobia.


Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region

Updated 27 January 2026
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Children’s Theater Festival opens in Qassim region

  • To develop future ‘cultural architects,’ says CEO Khaled Al-Baz
  • ‘Nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and sense of belonging’

BURAIDAH: The Qassim Children’s Theater Festival opened on Tuesday bringing together professionals from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

The event is being held under the patronage of Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, governor of Qassim, at the Science Center in Unaizah governorate.

It has been Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Association and executed by the Unaizah Theater Association, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Running until Jan. 31, it features shows, panel discussions, as well as training workshops to develop children’s theater and strengthen professional skills in the field.

Khaled Al-Baz, CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Association, told the SPA the festival forms part of a broader strategy to position children’s theater as a distinct cultural sector.

“Children today constitute genuine audiences — tomorrow’s cultural architects,” Al-Baz said.

Ahmed Al-Humaimidi, president of the Unaizah Theater Association, said it was an investment in young people, noting that it extends beyond performances to include cultural and educational programming.

He said the initiative aims to nurture creativity, aesthetic awareness and a sense of belonging, while also identifying emerging talent and encouraging knowledge exchange among theater practitioners.

“Our association recognizes children’s theater as foundational to cultivating aware, creative character,” he said.

The festival serves as both an artistic showcase and a platform for professional dialogue, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding cultural landscape and growing focus on children’s theater as an educational and cultural tool, the SPA noted.

This occurs alongside support for signature initiatives and performing arts promotion as quality-of-life enhancement.