OIC Foreign Ministers Affirm Commitment To Strengthening Solidarity Among Islamic Nations Amid Regional Challenges

The foreign ministers and delegation leaders from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states gathered in Istanbul for the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on June 21 and 22, 2025. They reiterated their dedication to the OIC's goals and principles, as well as all resolutions from previous Islamic Summit Conferences and Council of Foreign Ministers sessions.

Participants condemned Israel's ongoing 19-month campaign against Gaza, highlighting systematic destruction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. They stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire and implementation of Security Council Resolution 2735. The council also emphasized supporting Gaza's reconstruction without displacing its people and praised Egypt's efforts in delivering humanitarian aid.

The OIC reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian cause, established after the 1969 arson attack on Masjid Al Aqsa. They support a sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The council urged convening a UN High-Level Conference on Palestine under Saudi Arabia and France's co-chairmanship.

Expressing concern over Israeli actions in Jerusalem, participants condemned attempts to alter its Arab and Islamic character. They stressed preserving its identity as a symbol of tolerance among monotheistic religions. The efforts of the Al-Quds Committee and Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif Agency were commended for their work in this regard.

The council denounced Israel's destabilizing policies in Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, urging international measures to halt these aggressions. An open-ended ministerial contact group was established to engage with regional parties for de-escalation efforts. Solidarity with Pakistan was expressed amid recent military escalations affecting South Asia.

Participants voiced concerns over Islamophobia, condemning violence based on religion or belief. They called for global measures against extremism, hate speech, and religious defamation. Emphasizing that terrorism isn't linked to any religion or ethnicity, they urged condemnation of all forms threatening global peace.

Support for Azerbaijan and Syria

The council welcomed progress between Azerbaijan and Armenia towards peace agreements. They urged Armenia to address obstacles hindering signing these agreements while supporting Azerbaijan's demining efforts crucial for safe reconstruction. Support was also extended to Syria's integration into regional systems through cooperation with Türkiye and IsDB Group.

Deep concern was expressed over human rights violations against Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims. The council reaffirmed commitment to resolving The Gambia's case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) while advocating for Rohingyas' repatriation.

Preservation Efforts in Jerusalem

The council praised Jordan's role in safeguarding Jerusalem's holy sites under Hashemite custodianship. UNESCO resolutions affirming Al-Aqsa Mosque's status were acknowledged alongside Jordanian authority over Bab Al Magharbeh restoration efforts.

Finally, anticipation was expressed for the upcoming Islamic Summit Conference scheduled in Azerbaijan in 2026, expected to enhance unity within the Islamic world.

With inputs from SPA