The 50th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers commenced today in the capital, Yaoundé, under the patronage of Republic of Cameroon President Paul Biya.
Cameroon Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute inaugurated the session. In his speech on behalf of President Biya, he emphasized Cameroon’s support for the OIC and stressed the importance of solidarity with its member states in addressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and terrorism. He also discussed the concerning situation in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha addressed the opening session, stating, “The issue of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Sharif is witnessing dangerous developments that pose a challenge to the international community in general and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in particular.” He highlighted that the Israeli occupation forces are continuing their extensive military aggression against the Gaza Strip and all parts of the Pal
estinian territories, including the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, leading to thousands of casualties. He affirmed that the OIC is committed to addressing the impact of severe Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, bolstering their resilience on their land, and defending their legitimate rights.
Taha spoke about the OIC’s efforts to engage in constructive dialogue on various issues in Afghanistan, such as the ban on girls’ education, women’s work, and their participation in public life. He highlighted the ongoing visits of the OIC secretary-general’s special envoy, Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakhit, and other delegations to Afghanistan to engage in dialogue with the de facto government to end this ban. Taha also expressed hope for member states’ support for the Humanitarian Fund for Afghanistan at the Islamic Development Bank.
Additionally, he reviewed the developments related to the Jammu and Kashmir issue and the efforts exerted by the OIC and its special envoy, Yousef Al-Doubeay, and his field visits
within the framework of implementing the decisions of the Islamic Summit and the resolutions of the Council of Foreign Ministers. He affirmed the OIC’s principled position in support of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He also welcomed the end of the armed conflict between Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia and the restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Taha affirmed that the OIC pays special attention to the multiple challenges facing the Sahel region and Lake Chad, calling for greater solidarity with their people. He elaborated that the OIC continues its efforts to prepare for the Donors’ Conference to support the displaced and refugees in the Sahel region and the Lake Chad Basin. The conference is scheduled to be held on October 26 at OIC headquarters in Jeddah.
He stressed the need to keep working to protect the interests of Muslim groups and communities in countries that are not members of the organi
zation. He also highlighted efforts to combat terrorism, address Islamophobia and religious hatred, and promote dialogue between different faiths and cultures in partnership with other countries. He noted that Ambassador Mehmet Paçaci, the OIC secretary-general’s special envoy for combating Islamophobia, will soon assume his duties.
On economics, Taha highlighted the significance of opening the OIC’s Labor Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan, to address development challenges related to this sector. He noted the inaugural session of the General Assembly of the Islamic Halal Accreditation Forum in Makkah in November 2023, aiming to improve understanding and communication among accreditation entities to advance the halal industry.
Concerning climate change and water, Taha confirmed that the OIC is actively seeking opportunities for cooperation among member states in those areas and commended Azerbaijan for hosting the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-29) in
November 2024.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
