Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - The President of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, Dr. Bandar Hajjar, has assured IsDB member countries of his commitment to continue addressing the development challenges faced by member countries.

Dr. Hajjar made the statement when he received high level delegations from Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Benin, who paid him a courtesy call in his office in conjunction with the 42nd Annual Meeting of Board of Governors (17-18 May 2017), in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Governors who visited the President included HE Elyor Ganiyev of Uzebekistan, HE Romuald Wadagni, Benin's Finance Minister and, HE Tariq Pasha, Pakistan's Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.

"I thank you for accepting the invitation of IsDB to attend the Annual Meeting. We will do everything we can to complete ongoing projects," said Dr. Bandar Hajjar.
"Pakistan is an important ally of IsDB, and has one of the largest portfolio of projects by the Bank. We would like IsDB to open a Gateway Office in the country," stated Mr. Tariq Pasha of Pakistan.

"Benin Republic is ready to establish Islamic commercial banks. The new government has a private sector approach. We have created special economic zone with regulatory framework and flexibility to conduct business," added Mr Romuald Wadagni, Benin's Finance Minister.

"The President of Uzbekistan conveys his gratitude for your visit to Tashkent. We would like to work with IsDB in our initiative of establishing Imam AL Bukhari Centre for Research," HE Mr. Ganiyev told the IsDB Group President.