Appointment of Mehriban Aliyeva as the first vice-president of Azerbaijan is a major step forward and a great symbol in promoting the empowerment of women, the secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yusuf bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said.
He recalled that empowerment of women is a fundamental objective of the OIC, as stipulated by its Ten-Year Program of Action, Trend reported.
Yusuf bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said the program represents a model for involving women in the decision-making process in OIC member states.
"I wrote the first lady a congratulatory message immediately after her appointment as the first vice-president,” the secretary general added.
