Need For Enhanced Education Cooperation Among OIC Members - Malaysian Foreign Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to give greater emphasis on cooperation in education between member states to help each other grow and prosper, and provide opportunities for the people. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said this was because education was an enabler of growth, development and progress. He noted that education systems must not only equip people with skills and knowledge but also inculcate strong values of compassion, spirituality and patriotism. "It must also nurture values of mutual respect, understanding and tolerance, which is the essence of the moderation approach. "Only through this concerted effort can we hope to have progressive, peaceful and stable societies," Anifah said in his statement at the 43rd Session of the Islamic Council of Foreign Ministers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan Tuesday. He pointed out that marginalised groups and individuals facing economic inequality and social injustice were targets for radical groups to impart their misguided and twisted ideology. "We must be vigilant and shield them from the appeal of these extremists to join their violent cause," he said. -- BERNAMA