FM Ishaq Dar Attends OIC Meeting in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Palestine
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Saudi Arabia to attend the OIC meeting and prepare for the Arab-Islamic Summit. The meeting will focus on the Middle East situation, particularly Israeli actions against Palestine. PM Shehbaz Sharif, leading the Pakistani delegation, is expected to reiterate support for Palestinian sovereignty during his discussions with other leaders.
ISLAMABAD: On Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Saudi Arabia to participate in a significant meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which will convene in Riyadh today, Sunday. This meeting is crucial as it will set the agenda for the forthcoming Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday. Upon his arrival, FM Dar performed Umrah and engaged in prayers at the Masjid-i-Nabwi. Mr. Dar is part of the Pakistani delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also expected to attend the discussions. Notably, the summit will host Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside other key leaders. The agenda of the meeting will primarily focus on pressing issues pertaining to the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine, as outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The summit seeks to build upon the earlier Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit held in 2023 that addressed the dire situation in Gaza. The previous summit resulted in essential emergency relief efforts for the people of Gaza, as well as international appeals to end the Israeli occupation and a unified commitment among member states to aid the Palestinian cause. During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif is anticipated to reaffirm Pakistan’s position advocating for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in Gaza and to draw attention to Israeli military actions that jeopardize regional stability. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized that “Pakistan stands united with the people of Palestine in their struggle for sovereignty.” Furthermore, the Prime Minister will insist on the importance of establishing an independent Palestine with borders as they were on June 4, 1967, and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif recognized as its capital. Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to conduct bilateral meetings with leaders from the Arab League and OIC member states.
The meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a pivotal gathering of foreign ministers from Muslim nations aimed at addressing and strategizing responses to various challenges faced by member states, particularly those concerning the Palestinian cause. The OIC plays a critical role in advocating for Muslim interests on the international platform. The upcoming summit has been organized in the wake of escalating conflicts in the Middle East, most notably regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza, necessitating urgent international dialogue and coordinated action among member states.
In conclusion, the OIC meeting in Riyadh serves as a vital platform for addressing the critical issues facing the Muslim world, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participation of key leaders underlines the collective commitment to finding solutions and supporting the rights of Palestinian people. Pakistan’s firm stance on advocating for peace and sovereignty reflects the broader objectives of the summit, emphasizing unity and collaboration among member states.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
