Today the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini met in Brussels with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Dr Yusuf bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen.

High-Representative/Vice-President Mogherini emphasized the importance of a regular and constructive dialogue in view of a closer partnership to address together many issues of common interest. 

This first bilateral meeting since the Secretary General took office allowed for discussions on relations with the Muslim world and with Muslim communities in Europe. The High-Representative/Vice-President and the Secretary General exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation, building also on the fruitful exchanges, the previous day, at the first EU-OIC Senior Officials Meeting.  There was a common resolve to reach out to Muslim communities notably in Europe, as a way to increase Muslim youth participation and civic involvement in the political and social life in Europe and to counter radicalisation and terrorism.