OIC Council Of Foreign Ministers Meeting Highlights Urgent Need For Two-State Solution In Istanbul

The 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states commenced in Istanbul. According to Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency, around 40 officials, including prime ministers and foreign ministers, are attending the two-day event. Representatives from the organisation’s institutions, observer states, and other international organisations are also present.

During the opening speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticised Israel for destabilising the region with Western support. He stated that Israel had devastated Gaza, targeting healthcare facilities, schools, mosques, and churches. He highlighted that people were killed while waiting for basic necessities like flour and soup.

President Erdoğan emphasised the urgency of a two-state solution under current conditions. He urged more countries to recognise Palestine and called for coordinated efforts to impose measures against Israel based on international law and the UN Charter. He stressed unity among nations on shared concerns to avoid serving others' interests.

Erdoğan also noted that Israel's attacks on Iran coincided with intensified negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. He warned against allowing what he termed as "a new Sykes-Picot order" being established in the region through violence.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is chairing the meeting. He accused Israel of pushing the region towards disaster with its actions against Iran. Under Türkiye’s presidency of the OIC, Fidan pledged to amplify the Islamic world’s voice, prioritise global justice, and oppose injustice firmly.

Erdoğan urged unity among nations to address shared issues effectively. "If we do not take ownership of our causes with common resolve and thought, we will end up serving the interests of others," he said.

The session highlights ongoing regional tensions and Türkiye's commitment to addressing them through its leadership role in the OIC. The discussions aim to foster cooperation among member states in tackling these challenges collectively.

With inputs from WAM