Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to Saudi Arabia for the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting, which will shape the agenda for the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit. Discussions will focus on the situation in the Middle East, particularly Israeli actions against Palestine. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also attend, with a commitment to reiterate Pakistan’s support for Palestine and engage in bilateral meetings with other leaders.
On Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar departed for Saudi Arabia to attend a pivotal meeting comprising foreign ministers from various Muslim nations. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Riyadh is set to establish the agenda for the impending second Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Monday. Upon his arrival, FM Dar performed Umrah and prayed at the revered Masjid-i-Nabwi. He will represent Pakistan in the delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also traveling to Riyadh for the discussions. The OIC meeting aims to address pressing issues in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Israeli actions against Palestine. Discussions will build on the outcomes of the first Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in 2023, which focused on the Gaza situation. During the previous summit, critical relief efforts were initiated for Gaza, as member states collectively committed to supporting the Palestinian cause. During the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to reiterate Pakistan’s position advocating for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations that threaten regional stability. Furthermore, he will emphasize solidarity with the Palestinian populace in their pursuit of sovereignty, asserting that “Pakistan stands united with the people of Palestine in their struggle for sovereignty.” The Prime Minister is also likely to engage in bilateral talks with leaders from the Arab League and OIC member states.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a significant intergovernmental organization consisting of Muslim-majority countries, aimed at promoting solidarity and cooperation within the Islamic world. The upcoming summit is vital, as it follows earlier discussions addressing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, especially the unrest in Gaza. Previous OIC meetings have resulted in collective actions aimed at addressing humanitarian needs and advocating for the rights of Palestinians, as the situation continues to escalate amid international tensions.
In summary, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s participation in the OIC meeting in Saudi Arabia underscores Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian cause and the broader objectives of the Arab-Islamic Summit. The discussions are expected to foster international cooperation and address critical issues affecting stability in the Middle East. As Pakistan stands firm in its support for Palestine, the summit could lead to renewed commitments among member states to address humanitarian needs and promote peace in the region.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
