Turkey and Iran Urge Unity in Syria at Cairo Muslim Summit

Leaders of Turkey and Iran convened at a D-8 summit in Cairo, advocating for Syrian unity and reconciliation following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Turkish President Erdogan and Iranian President Pezeshkian underscored the necessity for a peaceful coexistence of various ethnic and religious groups in Syria. Palestinian President Abbas called for international accountability regarding Israel’s actions.

At a summit convened in Cairo, leaders from Turkey and Iran emphasized the need for unity in Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Historically, Turkey has supported opposition groups, whereas Iran has backed Assad’s regime. The meeting of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation included discussions on various regional issues, notably the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged for reconciliation in Syria, advocating for the nation’s “territorial integrity and unity”. He expressed optimism regarding the establishment of a Syria devoid of terrorism where diverse religious sects and ethnic groups cohabitate peacefully. Concurrently, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for comprehensive participation from all Syrian factions in forming a future government, stressing the necessity to respect diverse beliefs.

President Pezeshkian highlighted the suffering endured by areas such as Gaza and southern Lebanon, condemning aggressive actions attributed to Israel. His remarks echoed a broader sentiment of responsibility to mitigate harm in conflict zones. This summit marked the first attendance of an Iranian president in Egypt since 2013, reflecting a possible thaw in traditionally strained relations, particularly as Cairo has played a mediation role in the Gaza war.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas stressed that the international community must hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, advocating for a unified standard of justice. He reiterated support for a political plan that proposes a comprehensive ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, seeking full UN recognition for Palestine.

In light of escalating regional tensions, the D-8 summit also saw discussions between Pakistan and Bangladesh as they aim to enhance diplomatic relations weeks after a historical split. The D-8, established in 1997, aims to foster economic cooperation among its member states, which include Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia among others.

The recent summit in Cairo involving Turkey and Iran coincides with ongoing upheaval in the Middle East, particularly concerning the multifaceted conflict in Syria. The D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, comprised mainly of Muslim-majority nations, plays a crucial role in addressing economic and political cooperation across distinct regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa. The discussions reflect significant geopolitical dynamics and the urgent humanitarian needs resulting from prolonged conflicts.

In conclusion, the Cairo summit highlighted the critical need for unity and collaboration among nations to address the tumultuous situation in Syria and broader regional instabilities. The calls for reconciliation and respect for diverse groups signal a collective desire for a peaceful resolution, particularly in the context of rising tensions surrounding Gaza and Lebanon. The engagement of key leaders from Turkey and Iran at this summit may pave the way for more robust diplomatic efforts in fostering stability across the region.

Original Source: www.newarab.com