The Secretary-General of the Islamic Cooperation Organization strongly condemned the missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia at the opening of the organization's foreign ministers' summit in Baghdad, describing them as a violation of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of Islamic holy sites. This statement was made in the presence of Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Baghdad Summit and the Secretary-General's Positions
The fifty-second summit of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Cooperation Organization will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, hosted by Iraq under the slogan "Dialogue and Solidarity; Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development." Six Arab countries from the Persian Gulf are represented at the ambassador level at this summit.
Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, stated in his opening speech on Saturday: "We strongly condemn the criminal attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as these attacks are a clear violation of the national sovereignty of this country, the sanctity of Islamic holy sites, and regional stability." He added that these attacks contradict the principle of non-aggression against the territories of countries, Islamic and humanitarian values, the charter of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, and international law regulations.
Regional Challenges and Iraq's Initiatives
These remarks come at a time when Houthi forces supported by the Islamic Republic have intensified their missile and drone attacks on various regions of Saudi Arabia, including civilian infrastructure, airports, and oil and energy facilities. Araghchi's presence at this meeting occurs while the Islamic Republic faces widespread international criticism for its military and financial support of the Houthis and other proxy groups in the region.
Ali Falah al-Zaydi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, presented an initiative for the integration of energy networks, railways, transportation, and digital communications among regional countries at the opening ceremony. He also called for the establishment of a free trade system, protection of trade routes, and facilitation of transportation in international corridors.
The Prime Minister of Iraq, referring to the political, economic, and cultural challenges facing the Islamic world, urged member countries to reduce their differences through dialogue and cooperation and to strive to strengthen unity and solidarity. The Baghdad summit is taking place amid escalating conflicts between the Islamic Republic and its proxy forces on one side and Saudi Arabia and its regional allies on the other, creating new challenges for the Islamic Cooperation Organization's efforts to resolve disputes among member countries.
