China to work with Islamic countries, OIC for stronger ties: spokesperson

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to work together with Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the sustained growth of their relations, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers from June 21 to 22 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The meeting recognized China's efforts in protecting Muslim communities, appreciated the all-round development of relations between China and Islamic countries, and expressed expectations for stronger OIC-China cooperation, Guo said.

"This marks the sixth consecutive time that the resolutions of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers contain positive wording on China. China welcomes that," he said.

Describing the OIC as a symbol of unity and independence among Islamic countries and a bridge for promoting relations between China and Islamic countries, Guo said in recent years China and Islamic countries and the OIC have deepened mutual trust, expanded cooperation in various fields, and strengthened exchanges among civilizations, which has yielded fruitful outcomes.

He said representatives of the OIC and its member states have visited China many times, including trips to Xinjiang, adding that they have gained a better understanding of and spoken positively of China's ethnic and religious policies, and the development in Xinjiang. ■