OCI Ministers Convene in Baghdad; Algeria Discusses Palestine

Secretary of State Soufiane Chaib represented Algeria at the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OCI), held in Baghdad, Iraq, on October 17-18. The session convened under the theme, "Dialogue and Solidarity are two basic pillars for promoting peace and sustainable development," underscoring a commitment to global stability and progress.

The discussions at the OCI meeting focused extensively on critical developments regarding the Palestinian cause, specifically addressing the situations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. Furthermore, the agenda included a review of the various crises and challenges confronting the Islamic world, with an emphasis on strategies to enhance coordination among member states within international forums.

Additional key topics for deliberation included mechanisms to counter Islamophobia, tackle hate speech, and combat terrorism. The session also explored prospects for bolstering economic, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation among OCI member states. Future organizational matters were also discussed, including the OCI's work program for 2026-2035 and reforms aimed at improving its performance and operational effectiveness.