Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry delivered Thursday the opening session of the 13th round of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) on the behalf of Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, in Istanbul. FM had displayed the efforts Egypt made during its presidency to the OIC 12th session, and gave an in-depth analysis of the current challenges facing the international community, especially in the Islamic nations. Shoukry stressed on the need to combat Islamophobia and Xenophobia, and on boosting joint cooperation between the Islamic countries to enable them to cope with various challenges. The Palestinian crisis was significantly discussed, where a review was presented of the efforts made by Egypt through its membership of OSCE and conducted visits to defend its cause and rights. The FM had also stressed on the need to provide protection for Muslim minorities worldwide, concurrently with creating a dialogue of tolerance to share common ideals of heavenly religions. The FM had left Istanbul after finishing his speech and transferred the session presidency to Turkey.