Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has traveled to Saudi Arabia for an OIC meeting with counterparts from the Muslim world. The agenda will address critical issues, including Israeli actions in Palestine, as preparations for the summit on Monday commence. PM Shehbaz Sharif will also attend, reinforcing Pakistan’s support for Palestine and advocating for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Saudi Arabia to participate in a pivotal meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Riyadh. This gathering is set to address pressing issues in the Muslim world and will lay the groundwork for the forthcoming Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday. Upon arrival, FM Dar performed Umrah and prayed at the Masjid-i-Nabwi. He will represent Pakistan as part of the delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also on his way to Riyadh for the summit. The agenda of this crucial meeting revolves around the current situation in the Middle East, prominently focusing on the Israeli actions against Palestine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that the summit will build upon discussions held at the first Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit earlier in 2023, which aimed to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. This previous summit culminated in significant commitments for emergency aid to Gaza, as well as international advocacy for concluding the Israeli occupation and bolstering support for the Palestinian cause. At the summit, PM Shehbaz Sharif is expected to reiterate Pakistan’s longstanding position advocating for an immediate and unconditional end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Israeli military actions that jeopardize regional stability. Furthermore, the Foreign Office spokesperson emphasized that “Pakistan stands united with the people of Palestine in their struggle for sovereignty.” The Prime Minister will also express Pakistan’s commitment to establishing an independent Palestine, with borders reflecting those of June 4, 1967, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif serving as its capital. Additionally, he is anticipated to engage in bilateral discussions with leaders from various OIC and Arab League states.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an intergovernmental organization representing Muslim-majority countries across the globe. Its primary aim is to promote cooperation and solidarity among member states in various fields, including political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian sectors. The upcoming summit focuses on addressing critical issues facing the Muslim world, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the plight of Palestinians. This reflects a shared commitment among member states to facilitate dialogue and collective action in response to regional challenges. The situation in Gaza has been dire, with previous summits yielding emergency relief efforts and calls for solidarity among Muslim nations. The Saudi Arabian gathering of OIC ministers and the Arab-Islamic Summit aims to reinforce these initiatives and reaffirm the collective stance of member states regarding the Palestinian struggle for statehood.
In summary, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s participation in the OIC meeting in Riyadh underscores Pakistan’s commitment to addressing the critical humanitarian issues facing Palestine and the broader Middle East. The summit not only seeks to consolidate support for the Palestinian cause but also aims to establish a framework for ongoing cooperation among OIC member states. As regional tensions continue, discussions at this meeting will be integral to fostering solidarity and facilitating diplomatic efforts for peace and stability.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
