Organization of the Islamic Conference

Association of 44 states in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, established in 1971 in Rabat, Morocco, to promote Islamic solidarity between member countries, and to consolidate economic, social, cultural, and scientific cooperation. Its headquarters are in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The OIC also aims to ‘support international peace and security; to coordinate efforts to safeguard the holy places; to support Palestinians in their efforts to liberate their lands; and to strengthen the struggle of all Muslim people to safeguard their dignity and independence’. Mozambique and Nigeria have observer status. A conference of heads of states meets every three years.