Foreign ministers representing member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened in Baghdad on Saturday for the organization's 52nd session. The two-day meeting, held under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development,” is centered on addressing regional crises, the ongoing situation in Palestine, and enhancing cooperation among member nations.
During the opening of the summit, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi welcomed the delegates and emphasized that the Islamic world is currently confronting significant challenges that test its capacity to adapt to shifting economic, cultural, and media landscapes. Addressing the assembly, al-Zaidi stressed the necessity for collective action, stating, “What we are witnessing in terms of crises at the regional and international levels calls for greater joint action to protect the interests of our peoples, serve the causes of our nation and ensure the future of our generations.”
The Palestinian issue remained a primary focus of the proceedings. Prime Minister al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq's stance that the Palestinian cause is central to regional conflict. He underscored that securing justice and rights for the Palestinian people is a fundamental requirement for achieving regional security and stability. The session is also specifically addressing Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza alongside developments in other crisis-stricken areas within the Islamic world.
Beyond security concerns, al-Zaidi advocated for the protection of trade routes and the promotion of free trade. He unveiled an Iraqi initiative designed to foster integration among OIC countries by connecting energy grids, railway networks, and transportation systems. The plan also includes the development of digital communication infrastructure, trade platforms, and digital payment systems, alongside efforts to strengthen industrial zone integration. The Prime Minister noted that these measures aim to bolster member states' collective ability to manage crises.
During the session, Iraq officially assumed the OIC’s rotating presidency from Türkiye. Al-Zaidi expressed his gratitude toward Pakistan for its diplomatic efforts to alleviate regional tensions and urged all OIC members to intensify their work toward long-term peace and stability.
