Iraqi PM Urges Unity at OIC Ministers Meeting in Baghdad
Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi told the OIC foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad that accepting differences eases disputes and proposed linking energy networks.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi said on Saturday, that Baghdad has opened its doors to its brothers in the Islamic world, as he opened the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Iraqi capital. He described Baghdad as the cradle of civilization, science, thought, and history.
Zaidi congratulated the OIC secretary-general on taking office. He said the Islamic world is facing challenges, and that this situation tests the ability of Islamic countries to coexist and keep pace with economic, cultural, and media changes.
“The crises we see on the regional and international stage call on us to step up joint work in order to protect the interests of our peoples, serve the causes of our nation, and secure the future of our generations,” the prime minister said.
He stressed that the OIC is an important pillar for strengthening ties of brotherhood and harmony among peoples, since Islam brings them together as a religion, a culture, and a civilization.
Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s unchanged position on the Palestinian cause and described it as the core of the region’s conflicts. He stressed that achieving justice for the Palestinian people and securing their rights is the basis of security and stability in the region. He said Iraq still suffers from the economic fallout of regional conflicts.
On coordination among member states, Zaidi said he believes that accepting differences is a key to mutual understanding and to reducing disputes. He called for freedom of trade, protection of trade routes, and secure transit through international gateways.
Zaidi presented an Iraqi initiative to fully link energy networks, railways, means of transport, and digital communications, and to develop digital currency systems and trade platforms. He said the initiative aims to stabilize security and strengthen the ability to confront crises.
The prime minister said the OIC is the most suitable platform for promoting moderation and tolerance. He called for a united stand against hatred and in support of the oppressed, stressing that Iraqis will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
In his speech, Zaidi renewed Iraq’s support for the OIC and thanked the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its efforts to calm the situation. He urged member states to intensify their efforts to achieve peace in the region.