Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam has concluded her visit to Baghdad, Iraq, where she attended the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening cooperation among member states and supporting Palestine.
In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Minister Iruthisham reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to working closely with OIC member states towards lasting peace and sustainable development.
The two-day meeting concluded on Sunday, October 18, with member states adopting the Baghdad Declaration and several resolutions covering political, economic, social and humanitarian issues.
According to the OIC, the resolutions reaffirmed the central importance of the Palestinian cause, supported the rights of the Palestinian people and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital. Discussions also addressed the rights of Muslim minorities and communities and efforts to combat Islamophobia.
OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed described the session as a success, highlighting the importance of moving beyond agreement on resolutions towards their effective implementation.
During the visit, Minister Iruthisham held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials, including Egypt’s Foreign Minister, to reaffirm the strong relations between the Maldives and Egypt and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
She also met OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, expressing the Maldives’ appreciation for the organisation’s work and reaffirming the country’s commitment to remaining an active member.
In a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein, Minister Iruthisham congratulated Iraq on assuming the chairmanship of the Council of Foreign Ministers and reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
The minister also met Berik Aryn, Director General of the OIC’s Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), where she expressed appreciation for the organisation’s work and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to the OIC.
Ahead of the meeting, Minister Iruthisham had said the Maldives sought to take a more active leadership role within the OIC, particularly in advancing support for Palestine and addressing challenges facing Islamic countries.
The Maldives joined the OIC in 1976 and marked 50 years of membership this year. The organisation comprises 57 member states.
The 53rd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers is scheduled to be held in Benin, while the next Islamic Summit is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan.
