JCP representative to attend OIC Summit as guest

For the first time since it was founded 32 years ago, the Organization of Islamic Conference will invite a Communist party politician to attend its summit meeting.

During a major speech in Tokyo on October 1st, Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair Fuwa Tetsuzo announced that JCP International Bureau Director Ogata Yasuo will attend the OIC Summit slated for October 16 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A group of 56 Islamic nations and one organization, the OIC represents a population of about 1.28 billion and has been playing an important role in dealing with problems arising from the tumultuous world.

The JCP's contacts with the Islamic world began when Fuwa led a JCP delegation visiting Malaysia in 1999.

Fuwa said, "It is impressive to see relations of friendship and trust developing between the JCP and the Islamic countries." (end)