Hassanein Kamel, spokesperson for the 52nd session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, announced that representatives of all 55 member states attended the opening session, alongside UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and representatives from approximately 40 organisations.
Speaking at a press conference, Kamel said the meeting began with an address by the Turkish foreign minister, who chaired the previous session, before the presidency passed to Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Hussein highlighted the importance of Baghdad hosting the gathering to strengthen joint Islamic efforts and promote a unified response to regional and international challenges.
Kamel stated that the Palestinian cause remains a central priority for the organisation. He emphasised the need to end the Israeli occupation, protect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, halt settlement expansion, annexation and forced displacement, and counter policies aimed at Judaizing Jerusalem. He also stressed the importance of facilitating humanitarian assistance and ensuring civilian protection.
He added that discussions underscored the need to expand economic and trade relations among member states, encourage investment and establish development partnerships. Participants also highlighted the role of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and the importance of stronger regional coordination in promoting security and stability.
According to Kamel, Iraq intends to use its presidency of the current session to improve the OIC’s institutional performance, enhance the effectiveness of its bodies and turn common positions into practical initiatives that address the aspirations of Muslim communities. Baghdad also seeks to bridge differences and coordinate positions on priority issues.
Meanwhile, Kamel said Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi urged member states to deepen cooperation in light of sensitive regional and international developments, reaffirming Iraq’s continued support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people.
Al-Zaidi also introduced an Iraqi initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation in transportation, railway networks, energy, telecommunications, digital payment systems and commercial platforms. The proposal further encourages the exchange of expertise to address shared challenges, with the goal of expanding economic integration and improving connectivity among OIC member states.
For his part, OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed stressed the importance of continuing joint economic programmes and broadening cooperation among member states. He called for intensified efforts to stop Israeli violations against civilians and oppose policies intended to Judaize Jerusalem and alter its demographic composition.
