By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, where an estimated 40 diplomats are scheduled to attend the two-day meeting from June 21-22 amidst the Israel-Iran conflict that began on June 13 when Israel began firing on Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassinated a number of top nuclear scientists and Iranian officials. In light of this development, the OIC meeting was scheduled after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany in Geneva on June 20. According to Turkish news agency Anadolu Agency (AA), Arab League ministers plan to release a statement after the meeting. Meanwhile, Araghehi told the press on June 20: “At this meeting, at the suggestion of Iran, the issue of the Zionist regime’s attack on our country will be specifically addressed.” Iran had indicated its readiness to “consider diplomacy” with the condition that Israel stop its aggression.
The first day of the OIC focused on regional tensions especially the situation in Gaza and the Israel-Iran conflict which was a Special Agenda item at the request of Iran. Other major agenda items included a call for unity among Muslim countries against “destabilizing actions” in the region. A discussion on the Palestinian Cause – with Turkiye as the new chairman of the OIC Council, there will be a prioritization of the Palestinian cause and advocacy for a two-state solution seen as crucial for regional stability. Another major focus will be the condemnation of Israel’s actions in the region which have been called out as “illegal” and Iran’s right to self-defense has been affirmed. At this OIC meeting, there are a record number of high-level participants from OIC member states, observer countries and international organizations which highlights just how urgent the current regional situation has become and the relevance of the OIC.
The meeting is the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers with a focus on the theme: “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation in a Transforming World.” There is expected to be at least 1,000 people attending with a record number of high-level officials compared to past meetings. At least 43 officials will consist of ministers of countries with five deputy ministers. A primary focus will be on the current Israel-Iran conflict and how to move the situation toward a ceasefire.
