ISLAMABAD, Nov 27: Pakistan is preparing vigorously for the upcoming extraordinary session of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) summit in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, next week.

Senior Foreign Office professionals associated with the OIC and those with experience in multilateral diplomacy are currently busy preparing for the two-day summit.

President Gen Pervez Musharraf will represent Pakistan at the summit to be held on Dec 7-8.

The summit will discuss ways of strengthening Islamic unity and solidarity for an effective response to the multiple challenges facing the Ummah in the 21st century.

The president who will also be addressing the session is expected to make significant moot points in this regard.

Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, had launched an invitation, during last year’s pilgrimage season, for the convening of this extraordinary summit. He was then the crown prince.

“The objective of this extraordinary session is to review the current state of the Ummah and to explore horizons for the evolvement of a vision that would enable the Ummah to face up to the challenges of the present day and of the future,” the OIC spokesperson noted.

King Abdullah will address the summit at its inaugural session.

One of the highlights of the summit will be presentation of recommendations prepared by the OIC Commission of the Eminent Persons.

The extraordinary summit will be preceded by a preparatory meeting of OIC ministers of foreign affairs on Dec 6.