JEDDAH: Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, the secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has called for increased dialogue and intercultural exchanges to help tackle the growing threats of hate and discrimination, and the terrorism and extremism they cause. Addressing the Fifth World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue — which is being held in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, on the theme of “building dialogue into action against discrimination, inequality and violent conflict” — he recalled the recent attacks on mosques in New Zealand and churches in Sri Lanka, pointing out that rising ethnic and religious conflict has increased tensions in peaceful societies. He said the OIC has contributed effectively to advancing intercultural dialogue and promoting understanding between peoples of all religions and nationalities. The organization, he added, puts this objective at the heart of its programs and activities. Al-Othaimeen met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the forum to discuss issues of common concern. He thanked the president for the warm welcome and hospitality.  Al-Othaimeen also met the Elmar Mammadyarov, the country’s foreign minister, to discuss the arrangements for an Islamic Summit meeting in Makkah, along with OIC activities and programs.