Egypt s FM Sameh Shoukry during his speech in front of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad on Tuesday (Photo : Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
In front of the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any unilateral actions undermining the two state-solution, adding that Palestine was the inspiration behind the establishment of OIC in 1969.
The OIC, which was established after an arson attack against Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, is the second-largest organisation after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents
“We are looking forward to our organisation contributing to supporting stability in the Islamic states,” the Egyptian foreign minister said in his speech where he spoke about the situations in member states.
“Egypt stresses the importance of finding a peaceful national solution in Libya, [putting the emphasis on] holding presidential and parliamentary elections in parallel with the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries, without any exception, in a specific timeframe,” he said, adding that Egypt renewed its support for the efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission.
Concerning Sudan, Egypt is keen on maintaining its security and political stability. This includes reaching a consensus among all Sudanese parties towards managing the transitional period, without foreign interference, Shoukry said.
Shoukry also stated that Egypt is keen to push forward the political process in Syria under the umbrella of the United Nations in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Egypt also emphasised the importance of maintaining the unity, stability and sovereignty of Iraq. He also voiced appreciation for Iraqi efforts in fighting terrorism and called for an end to foreign interventions
“We look forward to a political solution for the Yemeni crisis according to the Gulf initiative and international laws as well as the conclusions of the Yemeni National Dialogue,” Shoukry stated, adding that at the same time Egypt denounces the terrorist attacks launched from Yemen targeting Saudi Arabia and UAE, in reference to the recent and frequent attacks of Houthi militias against both countries.
Egypt also welcomed the holding of parliamentary elections in Somalia and called on all Somali parties to continue holding elections, whether presidential or parliamentary, the Egyptian foreign minister said.
Sameh Shoukry also announced Egypt’s support for the OIC’s decision about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, stressing that the Afghan territories should not become a haven for terrorist organisations
The Egyptian foreign minister also spoke about the challenges facing the Islamic nations, most notably terrorism and religious radicalism as well as Islamophobia.
“We welcome the UN’s adoption of a resolution proposed by the Islamic group to designate 15 March as a day to combat Islamophobia,” he said.
The day marks the date of a 2019 terrorist attack in New Zealand when a right-wing extremist killed over 50 Muslims in an attack on two Mosques.
Earlier Tuesday, Pakistani PM Imran Khan inaugurated the meetings of the session, calling on the OIC to support the pleas of Palestine and Kashmir.
He also warned of a world that was heading towards a cold war with the chances of the countries being divided into blocs.
“Unless we as Islamic platform unite, we will stand nowhere,” he said.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said during the session that it was time for the Muslim nation to forge a collective response to the current turmoil inside its borders and the ongoing global transition.
Under the theme “Building Partnerships for Unity, Justice and Development,” the two-day 48th CFM session will cover many economic, cultural, social, humanitarian and scientific issues, including Islamophobia.
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