Istanbul: The foreign ministers and heads of delegations from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states convened in Istanbul, Republic of Trkiye, for the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on June 21 and 22, 2025. They reiterated their commitment to the objectives, purposes, and principles of the OIC and affirmed their dedication to the resolutions of previous Islamic Summit Conferences and Council of Foreign Ministers meetings.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the OIC, the second largest international organization after the UN, aims to strengthen unity and solidarity among the Islamic Ummah. The Council of Foreign Ministers is determined to adopt proactive measures amid global fragmentation and weakened institutions. They emphasized accelerating reforms to elevate the OIC's role in regional and global stability, shifting geostrategic balances, multilateralism, and a rules-based international system.
The Council reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause, advocating for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. They stressed the viability of a two-state solution and called for a United Nations High-Level Conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. They condemned the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank and called for a permanent ceasefire and the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2735.
The council also addressed humanitarian concerns, condemning Israel's use of starvation as a genocide method and urging the rejection of forced displacement. They supported the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and called for international support amidst worsening humanitarian conditions. The council rejected any schemes aimed at displacing Palestinians and commended Egypt's efforts in delivering aid to Gaza.
Concerns over the Israeli attempts to alter Jerusalem's features were raised, emphasizing the need to preserve its identity as a symbol of tolerance among monotheistic religions. The council condemned Israel's destabilization policies in the region and recent attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, calling for international deterrent measures and establishing a ministerial contact group to support de-escalation efforts.
Solidarity with Pakistan was expressed, urging restraint and adherence to ceasefire agreements following recent military escalations in South Asia. The council reaffirmed the importance of dialogue for peaceful settlement between Pakistan and India and acknowledged efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Islamophobia and religious-based violence were condemned, with a call for international measures to combat extremism and hate speech. Progress in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations was welcomed, urging Armenia to address obstacles to peace agreements and supporting Azerbaijan's reconstruction efforts.
The integration of Syria into the regional system was supported, emphasizing sustained political and financial backing. Aspiring for a negotiated settlement to the Cyprus issue, the council supported the rights of Turkish Muslim minorities in Greece.
Concerns over the expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia were voiced, reaffirming their right to return. Solidarity with Azad Jammu and Kashmir was renewed, supporting their right to self-determination and condemning human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar was addressed, urging actions to defend their rights and supporting Gambia's ICJ case against Myanmar. Concerns over Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty were raised, calling for adherence to the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The council commended Jordan's role in protecting Jerusalem's holy sites and welcomed UNESCO resolutions concerning Al-Aqsa Mosque. The upcoming Islamic Summit Conference in Azerbaijan in 2026 was anticipated to contribute to Islamic unity and cooperation.