KABUL (Pajhwok): The 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) began in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, on Saturday, with foreign ministers from member states in attendance, reports said.
Anadolu news agency reported that the two-day meeting would focus on regional crises, the Palestinian issue, peace, sustainable development and expanding cooperation among member states.
According to the report, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi opened the meeting and said the Islamic world faced growing challenges that tested its ability to coexist and adapt to economic, cultural and media transformations.
He stressed that regional and international crises called for greater joint action to protect the interests of nations, support the causes of the Islamic world and safeguard the future of coming generations.
Referring to Palestine, al-Zaidi said the issue remained at the centre of regional conflict, adding that ensuring justice for the Palestinian people and safeguarding their rights were essential to regional security and stability.
He also called for free trade, the protection of trade routes and the facilitation of goods transportation through international corridors.
Al-Zaidi announced an Iraqi initiative to integrate energy grids, railway networks, transport systems and digital communications among OIC member states.
According to Anadolu, the initiative also includes developing digital payment systems and trade platforms, as well as strengthening integration among industrial zones in member states.
The prime minister said the initiative aimed to promote security, stability and prosperity and strengthen member states’ ability to address common crises and challenges.
During the meeting, Iraq assumed the OIC’s rotating presidency from Türkiye.
The two-day session is being held under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development”. Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and developments in other conflict zones across the Islamic world are also on the agenda.
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