Jeddah, January 18, 2022, SPA -- The 50th session of the Permanent Finance Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC-PFC) started its three-day deliberations today at the headquarters of the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah. OIC Secretary General Hussein Ibrahim Taha addressed the opening session. He noted that the meeting was taking place at a time when the entire world was still suffering from the multiple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed many serious flaws, including deficient health care, gaps in social protection, fundamental inequalities, and massive shortcomings in financing and global solidarity. In his remarks, Taha reviewed the various activities undertaken by the General Secretariat, its priorities and efforts in addressing the challenges facing the Islamic world, stressing the need for Member States’ continued support to enable the OIC to meet its obligations and enhance its visibility on the international arena, and to strengthen joint Islamic action and solidarity. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Republic of Niger for its notable chairmanship of the PFC 49th Session, and warmly congratulated the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for assuming the chairmanship of the PFC 50th session. The Secretary General also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the host country, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince for their continued support to the OIC activities. --SPA 15:43 LOCAL TIME 12:43 GMT 0021 www.spa.gov.sa/w1679906