H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, inaugurated the 51st CFM session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Istanbul, on Saturday, 21-22 June 2024, under the theme: “The OIC in a Changing World.” The session is taking place amid major challenges faced by the Islamic World, foremost among them is the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to other issues, which will be discussed by the honorable Foreign Ministers.
H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the opening session, where he stressed its importance, considering the events unfolding in the Islamic World, notably the Israeli aggressions on the Gaza Strip and the Islamic Republic of Iran, underscoring his support for the OIC.
H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, OIC Secretary-General, addressed the opening session, stating that the Cause of Palestine and Al-Quds, which he emphasized as being at the forefront of the unprecedented challenges faced by the OIC, especially with regard to the ongoing crimes perpetrated by Israel, the occupation force, as evidenced by the military aggression on the Gaza strip, genocide, forced migration, starvation, destruction, settlement policies, Judaization of the Al-Quds city and the targeting of the UNRWA.
The Secretary-General pointed out the blatant aggressions against the Islamic Republic of Iran; he reiterated the OIC General Secretariat’s vehement condemnation of these aggressions and its solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Secretary-General touched upon several political issues, chief among them is the OIC’s ongoing efforts to affirm the steadfast right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination. He highlighted the member states’ commitment to supporting Afghanistan at the humanitarian and development fronts. Additionally, he affirmed support for the Republic of Azerbaijan, its territorial integrity and the sanctity of its international borders. In his speech, the Secretary General addressed several issues in various areas, extending utmost gratitude to H.E. the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Republic of Cameroon during its chairmanship of the 50th CFM session. Meanwhile, he extolled the generous support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the host country, to the OIC, as well as its commitment to promoting solidarity among the member states.
Likewise, H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister and chairperson of the 51st CFM session, addressed the gathering, stressing that his country will continue the efforts made by the Republic of Cameroon, chair of the previous session, especially in terms of the events unfolding in the Gaza Strip and the Islamic Republic of Iran. He highlighted that the large-scale participation by the member states in the current meeting, despite the circumstances, stands witness to the high consideration they give to the region. H.E. the Cameroonian Foreign Minister, Mr. Lejeune Mbella, chairperson of the previous session, addressed the meeting, expressing his appreciation for holding the donor conference on the Sahel region and the Lake Chad at the OIC Secretariat General in December 2024. He also reviewed the feats achieved by the OIC during his country’s chairmanship of the CFM.
