Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, recently concluded a productive visit to Istanbul, Türkiye, where he took part in the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Dr Khaleel delivered the Maldives’ national statement at the session, held under the theme “OIC in a transforming world”. He highlighted the urgent need to enhance the OIC’s effectiveness and deepen cooperation among member states in addressing the key challenges that the Muslim Ummah currently faces, with a firm focus on upholding peace and justice.
A major topic at the session was the escalating crisis in Palestine. Dr Khaleel voiced serious concern over the intensifying violence in Gaza, attributing much of the devastation and suffering to Israel’s actions. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ longstanding support for a sovereign and independent Palestine, defined by pre‑1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital. He called on OIC member states and the global community to formally recognise Palestine, a step he described as both necessary and long overdue for achieving durable peace and justice.
Dr Khaleel also condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran, describing them as a breach of international law and denouncing the absence of accountability for such actions. The Maldives delegation attended a special session held on the sidelines of the Council’s main gathering, specifically focused on Israel’s aggression against Iran.
In addition to plenary discussions, Minister Khaleel engaged in bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister of Tajikistan. They discussed strengthening cooperation within the OIC framework and exploring areas of shared interest to bolster ties between their countries.
Highlights from the Istanbul Summit
The two-day summit attracted more than 35 foreign ministers and nearly 1,000 participants, including officials from observer states and international organisations. Key outcomes included:
The summit strongly condemned Israel’s military actions, not only in Gaza but also its recent strikes on Iranian territory. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan characterised the situation as a regional crisis emanating largely from Israel, calling for an immediate cessation of its attacks.
Delegates adopted several draft resolutions, including the forthcoming Istanbul Declaration. The declaration reaffirmed support for Palestine and called for its recognition, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the expansion of hostilities.
A dedicated special session was held to address Israel’s attacks on Iran, with a focus on violations of international law and regional security. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi participated and called for a united statement of condemnation from OIC members.
The summit also placed emphasis on strengthening coordination within the OIC, including proposals for trilateral engagement mechanisms with the Arab League and African Union, and plans for enhanced dialogue with the European Union.
Additionally, the International Organization for Migration and the OIC signed a new plan of action to improve migration governance and address refugee challenges, reinforcing collaboration in managing humanitarian crises.
Dr Khaleel’s active advocacy on the plight of Palestinians and firm stance on violations of international law underline the Maldives’ commitment to solidarity with the Muslim world. His discussions at the summit reflected the Maldives’ readiness to contribute to collective action within the OIC.
