Syria’s OIC Membership Re-Activated After Nearly 13 Years

Syria’s OIC membership was re-activated after being frozen for 13 years amidst the Syrian civil war. This decision was facilitated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and signifies a step towards rebuilding Syria’s relationships in the Arab world following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The new Syrian government is focusing on rebuilding ties and reconstruction efforts.

Syria’s membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been officially re-activated after a hiatus of nearly 13 years, as reported by a Turkish diplomatic source. This decision was made during a recent meeting in Jeddah, which included all 57 member states of the organization.

Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by Syrian rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham after a prolonged civil war, Syria’s new government aims to restore its relationships with Arab nations, Western powers, and others. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, played a crucial role in proposing the re-activation of Syria’s membership during the OIC’s foreign minister’s meeting, which was accepted after Syria’s membership had been frozen in August 2012 due to the ongoing war.

During the meeting, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani was invited to take Syria’s seat following the approval vote. Video footage released by Turkey’s Foreign Ministry captured the warm reception he received from other members, who applauded his entrance.

Turkey has historically supported rebel factions aiming to remove Assad from power and has now aligned itself with the new Islamist government in Syria, pledging assistance in the nation’s reconstruction and military training. Additionally, Syria’s newly appointed President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has received an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend an Arab League summit in Cairo, signifying a significant move toward mending ties within the Arab world after the fall of Assad.

The re-activation of Syria’s OIC membership marks a notable shift in international relations in the Middle East. Following a lengthy period of estrangement due to civil conflict, the new Syrian government, with Turkish support, is ambitiously seeking to restore its standing within the Arab community and beyond. This new development could pave the way for further diplomatic engagement and reconstruction efforts in Syria.

Original Source: www.newarab.com