Ishaq Dar Attends OIC Meeting in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Middle East Issues

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan has traveled to Saudi Arabia to attend the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting. This meeting will set the agenda for the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit, addressing ongoing issues in the Middle East, particularly Israeli actions against Palestine. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also participate, emphasizing Pakistan’s support for Palestine and efforts for regional stability.

On Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Saudi Arabia to participate in a significant meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh. This meeting is crucial as it will establish the agenda for the upcoming second Arab-Islamic Summit, set to occur on Monday. Upon arrival, Minister Dar performed Umrah and prayed at the revered Masjid-i-Nabwi. FM Dar will represent Pakistan alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also traveling to Riyadh for the summit. The gathering of foreign ministers will include prominent figures such as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye. The discussions will focus on pressing issues in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine. This summit aims to build upon previous efforts made during a joint Arab-Islamic summit earlier this year, emphasizing the situation in Gaza. The previous summit initiated vital emergency relief efforts for Gaza, reinforced international calls for an end to Israeli occupation, and fostered commitments among OIC member states toward supporting the Palestinian cause. In line with this, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s stance advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and prioritizing regional stability.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) serves as an essential platform for Muslim countries to collaborate on political, social, and economic issues affecting the Muslim world. Recent events in the Middle East, especially the crisis in Gaza, have prompted member states to convene for urgent discussions aimed at formulating a collective response to regional instability. The outcomes of these meetings frequently influence international discussions regarding peace and humanitarian efforts in affected areas, especially concerning the Palestinian plight.

In summary, the upcoming OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Riyadh is poised to be a critical platform addressing significant geopolitical issues in the Middle East, particularly concerning Palestine. With the participation of key leaders and a focus on reinforcing support for Gaza, the summit aims to enhance unity among member states while advocating for peace and stability in the region. Through these discussions, Pakistan aims to assert its commitment to the sovereignty of Palestine and call for an urgent resolution to ongoing conflicts.

Original Source: www.dawn.com