Malaysia and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have agreed on the importance of promoting the moderation approach in addressing the issue of Islamophobia and combating extremism.

The matter was among the issues discussed between Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and OIC secretary-general Tan Sri Iyad Amen Madani, who called on the former here Thursday, Malaysian News Agency (Bernama) reported.

The meeting was part of Madani's three-day working visit to Malaysia beginning Tuesday, his first to the country since assuming the post in January 2014.

According to a Wisma Putra statement, Anifah and Madani, who was accompanied by his delegation, also had a fruitful discussion on the strategic cooperation between Malaysia and the OIC, and the challenges faced by the Muslim ummah.

It added that the visit demonstrated Malaysia's continued commitment to playing an active role in the OIC, by strengthening Islamic solidarity among member states through several initiatives and programmes in various sectors.