Addressing the 30th session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, he said in order to root out war and to fight deprivation, ways should be found to fight despotism and to defend independence of countries and nations, he reiterated.

Today, many Muslim countries suffer from the chronic problem of underdevelopment. This is particularly acute among the Muslims in such countries as Afghanistan or Somalia which have suffered civil war for long periods, he said.

"It is a matter of regret, though such underdevelopment is neither in tune with our historical standing nor in accord with our current resources and capacities."

President Khatami further called for change in this situation through national will as well as resolute enterprise, solidarity and cooperation.

Presently, a significant part of human, economic and strategic resources of the world are to be found in Islamic countries, he said adding that important and strategic waterways, huge energy resources, substantial population, highly qualified and efficient manpower, and access to new technologies, are only part of the capabilities and capacities that could help turn the Islamic world into an effective world power.

The OIC provides an appropriate framework for the promotion of coordination and expansion of cooperation among Islamic countries. This organization has all through its existence endeavored for the adoption of common positions addressing political concerns among its members, he added.

Khatami further called on the OIC to take active steps towards resolving world issues through presenting practical plans and measures stressing that it is to be underlined that efforts towards promotion of political coordination constitute only part of the organization's extensive responsibilities.

Strengthening of cooperation in the fields of economic, financial and customs activities as well as expansion of social and cultural cooperation are important areas for the realization of common objectives of Islamic countries.

Necessary mechanisms have thus far been created in the organization in many of these areas, he said adding that the existence and functioning of such effective institutions as the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Organization for Islamic Radio and Television, Islamic Broadcasting, Islamic Social and Cultural Organization, Joint Project for Islamic Satellite, and other initiatives of this kind can help prepare the grounds for the emergence of new capabilities for all Islamic countries.

"Effective realization of such an objective is dependent on the actual commitment by all of us to activate these mechanisms and institutions and muster the necessary will to support and fully and seriously utilize their potentials at all national and government levels."

The Iranian president further underlined the need to expand cooperation among Muslim states in order to elevate Muslims' national and international capabilities and to move closer to a standing commensurate with Islam.

President Khatami concluded by urging all OIC member states to make greater efforts to make the organization more prepared, more potent and more effective than in the past.