Egypt called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to mobilize efforts and take practical steps to confront the spread of Islamophobia amid repeated incidents of burning copies of the Holy Quran by extremists in Europe.
In a speech on behalf of Minister Sameh Shoukry during the 18th Extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC, Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Hamdi Sanad Loza stressed the importance of addressing such crimes and violations, preventing their recurrence, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Loza said the spread of Islamophobia has become a threat to the peace and security of societies.
He also underlined the need for the international community to fulfil its responsibilities towards promoting a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity in all its forms.
Egypt has previously warned of the dangerous repercussions of these repeated and unacceptable incidents following the spread of the Holy Quran burning in June and July in Sweden as well as Denmark.
Last week, the Egyptian foreign ministry summoned the Danish ambassador to Egypt to express "deep concern" as well as condemnation over recurring incidents of Quran burning in Denmark in front of foreign diplomatic missions, including the Egyptian embassy in Copenhagen.
Al-Azhar, the world's foremost seat of Sunni learning, has repeatedly condemned the Quran burnings, calling on European states to prevent incitement against Muslims in the West.
Al-Azhar also called as well for boycotting Danish and Swedish products.
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