They discussed bilateral relations, ways to improve cooperation, challenges facing the Muslim world, and the OIC’s role in facing those challenges The secretary-general thanked the Maldives for its continuous support for the OIC and its activities Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Thursday received the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen. They discussed bilateral relations, ways to improve cooperation, challenges facing the Muslim world, and the OIC’s role in facing those challenges. Abdul Gayoom stressed the OIC’s importance in coordinating cooperation between Muslim countries. Al-Othaimeen informed him of ongoing preparations for the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 5 and 6. The secretary-general thanked the Maldives for its continuous support for the OIC and its activities. The country has become a prestigious tourist destination for many people in the Muslim world due it to its security, stability, beauty and mild weather, Al-Othaimeen said, describing the Maldives as a model for developing plans to reinforce intra-OIC tourism. He also met with Foreign Minister Mohamed Asim and discussed developments in the Muslim world. They expressed their determination to push forward bilateral relations in a manner that serves the Muslim world and the Maldives. Al-Othaimeen also met with Education Minister Aishath Shiham, visited Iskanndhar School, gave a lecture at the Maldives National University, and met with Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Mohamed Shainee. The secretary-general thanked the country’s leadership and the officials he met, praising efforts made in the fields of education and sustainable development.