During the visit of the Secretary General of the OIC to Moscow, Ihsanoglu and Lavrov emphasise the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis

The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, and the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, agreed in their meeting that a political solution is the only way out of the Syrian crisis which was the main subject of discussion between the two sides in Moscow on Friday, 7 June 2013. The OIC Secretary General emphasised the need for a political solution to the crisis and reiterated his firm position, which he has expressed since the outbreak of the crisis: the need to resort to dialogue, and end the crisis peacefully. He also stressed the need for the OIC to participate in Geneva 2 for its important role and relations with the actors in the crisis, the majority of whom are OIC members. Lavrov agreed with the Secretary General on this approach and presented an overview of the efforts made by his country to resolve the Syrian crisis, and reiterated Russia’s full support for a political solution. The Russian minister explained in the meeting the efforts exerted by Moscow to hold Geneva 2, pointing out his country’s keenness on the success of the conference, consensus and the participation of all conflict parties in Syria. The meeting also addressed the Palestinian issue, the ongoing developments in the Holy City of Al Quds, efforts to resume the peace process, and the importance of achieving Palestinian reconciliation. Ihsanoglu reiterated once again that the Palestinian cause is central to the OIC and stressed the need to resume the peace process. He also praised Russia’s position and support for Palestine's membership in the United Nations. The two sides discussed the current situation in Iraq and expressed their deep concern about the recent developments there. They also discussed the issue of Kosovo as well as other regional and international issues. Moreover, the meeting addressed mutual cooperation between the two sides in the areas of economy, science and technology, especially higher education. Lavrov expressed his country's desire and keenness to develop relations with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.