Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan traveled to Saudi Arabia for the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting, which will discuss key issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting sets the stage for the Arab-Islamic Summit and builds on previous commitments made by member states to support Palestine. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead the Pakistani delegation and plan further bilateral discussions with other leaders.
Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, departed for Saudi Arabia on Saturday to participate in a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers convening in Riyadh. This gathering is crucial as it will outline the agenda for the forthcoming Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday. Upon his arrival, Minister Dar performed Umrah and offered prayers at the revered Masjid-i-Nabwi. Minister Dar will represent Pakistan in the delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is anticipated to arrive in Riyadh shortly. Notably, the attendees will include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as noted by Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The agenda of the meeting will focus on pressing issues in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine. The summit aims to build upon discussions from the previous Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which took place in 2023, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Last year’s summit resulted in significant aid efforts for Gaza, alongside international demands to terminate the Israeli occupation and a collective commitment to support the Palestinian cause. During the summit, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s advocacy for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the halt of actions by Israeli forces that jeopardize regional stability. Pakistan’s official stance emphasizes solidarity with the Palestinian people advocating for their sovereignty, and asserts the vision for an independent Palestine established on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Additionally, the Prime Minister is slated to engage in bilateral discussions with leaders from various Arab League and OIC member states.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) plays a critical role in addressing issues affecting the Muslim world, including conflict resolution and humanitarian aid. The upcoming meeting in Riyadh represents an opportunity for member states to unite their voices regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, which remains a significant source of tension in the region. Previous summits have facilitated essential dialogues and commitments towards supporting Palestine, thus setting a precedent for collective action among OIC members. The inclusion of key international figures, such as President Erdogan, underscores the meeting’s importance in fostering regional cooperation amidst ongoing crises.
In conclusion, Ishaq Dar’s attendance at the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Saudi Arabia reflects Pakistan’s commitment to addressing the urgent situation in Gaza. The summit is positioned to serve as a platform for unified action among member countries, reiterating their support for Palestine while reinforcing commitments made in previous meetings. Prime Minister Sharif’s engagement further emphasizes Pakistan’s stance regarding regional stability and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
