OIC foreign ministers meet in Baghdad as regional crises top agenda

The 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) commenced in Baghdad on Saturday, with regional conflicts and Palestine taking center stage. The two-day meeting, held in Iraq's capital for the first time in 45 years, is themed "Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development".

Member states' foreign ministers are discussing Israel's attacks on Gaza, the recent Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, and crisis zones across the Islamic world. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi inaugurated the meeting, advocating for greater collaboration among Islamic nations to tackle mounting challenges. He highlighted the crises witnessed at regional and international levels, urging joint action to safeguard the interests of their peoples.

Iraq currently grapples with the aftermath of regional conflicts and their economic fallout. The meeting, inaugurated by Al Zaidi, marks Baghdad as the birthplace of civilization, science, thought, and history. Al Zaidi unveiled an Iraqi initiative aimed at interconnecting energy grids, railway networks, transport, and digital communications among OIC countries.

This plan also includes creating a digital payment system and trade platforms to foster security, stability, and prosperity, enhancing member states' capacity to confront challenges. Referring to regional conflicts, Al Zaidi expressed gratitude to Pakistan for defusing tensions and urged OIC member states to emulate Pakistan's efforts.

OIC Secretary General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as a blatant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites. He pledged to bolster preventive diplomacy and activate the OIC's mediation unit to resolve the crisis. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who joined the meeting in Baghdad, stated Iran's readiness to assist in ending the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, his primary proxy militant group.

Araghchi previously offered to facilitate dialogue between the two sides during a phone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan last week, emphasizing that a military resolution is not a viable option to end the ongoing Yemeni civil war.