UN and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will work together more closely on humanitarian issues, from relief coordination to fundraising and preparedness for disasters and crises. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos, who is also UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, signed the agreement with Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary-General of the OIC, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Formalizing Plans to “Save Lives at Time of Growing Humanitarian Emergencies: Ms. Amos said the agreement would formalize existing plans to cooperate more with OIC to save lives at a time of growing humanitarian emergencies in the region. OIC SG Ihsanoglu and the OIC Statement characterized the Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding “as a quality leap in the OIC humanitarian action and a qualitative shift that reflects the confidence of the international community in the OIC relief work in record time of its humanitarian activities in Somalia which formed its success Ms. Amos said in the press conference, which was held after concluding her visit, that the meeting was an opportunity to discuss issues of common concern, pointing out that the OIC has played an important role, and that cooperation with the OIC eventually aims to create a global humanitarian order. Amos underscored the role of the OIC in Somalia, and noted that it has played a pivotal role in the country, which resulted in coordination between humanitarian organizations partners which are active in Muslim countries in light of the inability of some in getting access to the affected areas in Somalia. (Read – “UN Response Somalia” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-response-somalia-by-ambassador-mo/40545 ). The agreement includes a framework for regular dialogue and information exchanges between the OIC and the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX More at “Humanitarian Channel” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/humanitarian