OIC Foreign Ministers Convene in Baghdad to Tackle Regional Crises, Palestine on Agenda

The 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers commenced in Baghdad on Saturday, with regional conflicts and the Palestinian issue dominating discussions. Foreign ministers from member states gathered for the initial day of the two-day summit, marking the first time the Iraqi capital has hosted the event in 45 years. The meeting is being conducted under the theme, “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development.” Key topics on the agenda include Israel’s actions in Gaza and the recent Houthi strikes targeting Saudi Arabia, alongside other crisis zones within the Islamic world. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi inaugurated the proceedings, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation among Islamic nations to navigate escalating challenges. He stated, “The crises we are witnessing at the regional and international levels call for greater joint action to protect the interests of our peoples,” adding that “Iraq continues to suffer from the consequences of regional conflicts and their economic repercussions.” Al Zaidi highlighted Baghdad’s historical significance as the “cradle of civilisation, science, thought and history,” as the reason for hosting the meeting. Furthermore, Mr. Al Zaidi unveiled an Iraqi initiative designed to integrate energy grids, railway networks, transportation, and digital communications among OIC countries. The initiative also plans to develop a digital payment system and trade platforms, with the overarching goal of fostering security, stability, and prosperity, thereby bolstering member states' capacity to address challenges. Acknowledging the regional conflicts, he expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its de-escalation efforts and encouraged other OIC member states to adopt similar approaches. OIC Secretary General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as a “flagrant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and of the sanctity of the Islamic holy sites.” He pledged to work towards “strengthening preventive diplomacy and activating the OIC's mediation unit” to resolve the crisis. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was among the delegates present for the opening session. He engaged in sideline meetings with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, and Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty. Mr. Araghchi conveyed Iran's readiness to assist in resolving the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, a group supported by Tehran. He had previously offered mediation assistance to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a phone call last week, asserting that a military resolution to the protracted civil war in Yemen is not a viable option.