Baghdad:The spokesperson for the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Hassanein Kamel, announced that preparations are complete for the organization’s meetings in Baghdad. These meetings will see participation from more than 40 international governmental and non-governmental organizations, with Iraq aiming to promote dialogue and bridge differences among Islamic countries during its year-long presidency of the council.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Kamel stated that the government committee, formed by order of the prime minister, has ensured all arrangements are in place for the event. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun welcoming official delegations, with reception ceremonies continuing until early Saturday morning before the meetings commence.

The Baghdad meetings will feature numerous senior figures and international organizations, including United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and representatives from the Arab League. This level of participation is expected to provide significant regional and international momentum, bolstering Iraq’s leadership of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

Kamel emphasized that the Palestinian issue will be a primary focus of the meetings, addressing concerns such as displacement, annexation, settlement expansion, and the protection of holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territories. Other topics on the agenda include regional tensions, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, and economic cooperation among Islamic countries.

Iraq’s presidency aims to foster cooperation and solidarity among the 57 Islamic countries, relying on dialogue and diplomacy to settle disputes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed detailed programmes to be executed throughout Iraq’s tenure, emphasizing the country’s commitment to facilitating consensus among member states.

Kamel highlighted that Baghdad’s hosting of the session occurs amid challenging regional and international circumstances but will enhance Iraq’s diplomatic role and reinforce Baghdad’s position as a capital advocating for peace and diplomacy.