In the name of God the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Your Excellency Brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Your Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like at the outset to express, on behalf of the Arab Group, utmost appreciation for the sisterly Republic of Turkey for hosting this summit and for the warm reception and generous hospitality. I am confident that the Turkish presidency of this summit will be a constructive addition to the course of Islamic cooperation.
I also extend thanks to His Excellency Dr. Iyad Amin Madani, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the General Secretariat staff for their tireless efforts in serving joint Islamic action.
This summit is being held while many of our countries face grave challenges that entails us to double efforts and intensify our joint action to counter them and to work hard to respond to the aspirations of our peoples.
I pray to Allah that the proceedings of this summit be culminated in success, and that its results contribute to fulfilling the aspirations and hopes of our Islamic Umma.
May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you.