Malaysia Calls For Unity Among OIC Member States Amid Rising Tensions In Middle East

KUALA LUMPUR,  June 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia seized the global stage at the recently concluded 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, calling for unity among member states to confront the challenges facing the Islamic world, particularly the Palestine issue and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Delivering the country’s national statement, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan strongly condemned the atrocities committed by Israel, describing them as egregious crimes against humanity that must be stopped immediately.

He also urged all parties to intensify international efforts towards the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Mohamad also expressed deep concern over the rise in discrimination against Muslims and proposed that the OIC collaborate closely with the United Nations to foster religious tolerance and combat the spread of Islamophobia.

He also emphasised the need for the OIC to broaden the Trade Preferential System and lower trade barriers among Member States amid the ongoing geopolitical challenges. 

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister also took part in two OIC sideline meetings: the Extraordinary Session of the OIC CFM addressing the Israeli Attacks on Iran, and the OIC Contact Group Meeting concerning Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

At the Emergency CFM Meeting on the Israeli Attack on Iran, Mohamad urged the OIC to leverage its international influence to promptly halt Israel's assaults, which pose a serious threat to the stability of the Middle East. He emphasised that lasting peace can only be secured through decisive dialogue and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, at the OIC Contact Group Meeting on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Mohamad outlined Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair in addressing the Rohingya issue. He also encouraged OIC Member States to engage with stakeholders with a view of supporting peace in Myanmar.

At the sidelines of the CFM, Mohamad held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from 19 countries including, Iran, Syria, and Turkiye, discussing ways to strengthen cooperation and address shared concerns, including the situation in Palestine and regional tensions in the Middle East. 

The 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC adopted 147 resolutions and the Istanbul Declaration. These outcome documents embody the collective commitment and unified efforts of OIC Member States to address the pressing challenges faced by the Ummah worldwide.

-- BERNAMA