H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK welcomed H.E. İhsan ÖVÜT, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), at the SESRIC Headquarters in Ankara.

H.E. SELÇUK acknowledged the importance of fostering strong ties with sister organizations within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). She underscored the significance of concerted actions among OIC institutions, highlighting the collective effort towards realizing the overarching goals of the OIC.

She emphasized the harmonious relationship between SESRIC and SMIIC, describing their long-standing partnership as a true testament to the fraternal bonds within the OIC. Recalling their joint achievements, she referenced various collaborative endeavors that have highlighted the tangible cooperation between the two institutions.

Among the notable milestones, she highlighted the capacity-building activities on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) to which SESRIC and SMIIC have collaborated in order to improve workplace safety across the OIC member states. Moreover, SESRIC's active participation in the OIC Standardization Experts Group (SEG) meetings in collaboration with SMIIC have played a crucial role in the preparation of OIC Halal Food Standards and Procedures.

In conclusion, H.E. SELÇUK expressed her enthusiasm for the existing strong relations between SESRIC and SMIIC, emphasizing the power of intra-OIC efforts. She proposed ideas for joint initiatives, including preparing a joint report on the Halal industry, promoting industry development, and enhancing the visibility of their institutions and activities. The meeting concluded on a positive note, affirming the commitment of both institutions to continue their collaborative endeavors within the OIC framework.

The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), as an affiliated institute developing the necessary mechanisms for the countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), aims to develop new standards in member states and eliminate technical barriers to trade, thereby increasing trade between them. The Institute also aims to establish conformity assessment systems to accelerate the exchange of materials, manufactured goods and products between Member States, starting with the mutual recognition of certificates.It seeks to standardise metrology, laboratory testing and standardisation activities between Member States, to provide education and training and to provide technical assistance to OIC members in the field of standardisation and metrology. Accordingly, It can cooperate with other regional and international organisations concerned partly or wholly with standardisation, metrology or related fields.