JEDDAH: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman called for unity amongst Islamic nations to solve numerous issues and crises in the region. Heading the Saudi delegation to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Istanbul on Thursday, the king said Islamic nations are required to address issues in Palestine, Syria and Yemen and Libya. He said these issues require us to “come together more than ever to fight the scourge of terrorism and to protect the young generation.”

On the Islamic Military Alliance the king said “We have made a serious step in this direction to form an Islamic Military Alliance to fight terrorism, which includes 39 countries to coordinate all efforts through intellectual, media, financial and military initiatives based on the OIC's principles and objectives.”

The conference was opened by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. President Erdogan welcomed the leaders and heads of delegations of Muslim countries participating in the conference.

He said "I welcome you in your second homeland, Turkey, and I thank all those who contributed to the preparation for this conference where we are being honored by your attendance," expressing thanks to the OIC Secretary General, Iyad Madani.