OIC ready to cooperate ‘closely’ with Trump presidency

President-elect riled Muslim world during election campaign by calling for ban on Muslim immigration to US

By Ahmed Khalifa

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AA) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is ready to cooperate "closely" with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, according to a Thursday statement issued by the Jeddah-based organization.

"The OIC congratulates Trump for his victory in the U.S. presidential election," the statement read.

The OIC, it added, "looks forward to working with the new U.S. administration to strengthen existing relations between the organization and the U.S. with a view to addressing international challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence".

The OIC went on to voice hope for a "constructive relationship" with the incoming U.S. administration "based on mutual interest and respect".

Trump, the Republican nominee, won the U.S. presidency on Wednesday, beating Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

He will be formally inaugurated as president on Jan. 20.

During his electoral campaign, Trump riled many Muslims by suggesting that he favored a ban on Muslim immigration to the U.S.

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