Iraqi PM Calls for Islamic Unity and Regional Cooperation at OIC Meeting

INA

The 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC in Baghdad.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and joint action among Islamic countries to address regional and global challenges, saying justice for the Palestinian people and respect for their rights are essential to achieving regional security and stability.

Al-Zaidi made the remarks in his opening address at the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Baghdad on Saturday with representatives from member states in attendance.

Welcoming the delegations, the Prime Minister described Baghdad as a crossroads of civilisations and a city rich in knowledge, thought and history. He highlighted the OIC’s role in strengthening brotherhood and integration among Islamic nations and enhancing their collective ability to respond to economic, cultural and media developments.

He said the crises facing the region and the wider world required greater joint efforts to protect the interests of Islamic countries, advance their causes and safeguard the future of coming generations. Iraq, he noted, had suffered—and continued to suffer—from regional conflicts and their economic consequences.

Reaffirming Iraq’s position on the Palestinian cause, al-Zaidi described it as central to the regional conflict. He said securing justice for Palestinians and guaranteeing their rights were fundamental to regional security and stability.

On economic cooperation, the Prime Minister called for promoting free trade, protecting trade routes and facilitating transport through international corridors.

He also announced that Iraq intended to propose a comprehensive integration initiative covering energy grids, railway networks, transport systems and digital communications. The proposal would also include developing digital payment infrastructure and commercial platforms, alongside greater integration of industrial zones.

Al-Zaidi said the initiative aimed to strengthen security, stability and prosperity while improving regional countries’ ability to withstand crises through broader cooperation and economic integration.

He further stressed that cooperation and respect for differences were essential to promoting understanding and reducing conflict. He urged the OIC to play a greater role in encouraging moderation and tolerance, upholding humanitarian principles, combating hatred and supporting oppressed people.

The Prime Minister called on member states to intensify their efforts to achieve peace and stability across the region. He praised Pakistan’s efforts to ease the crisis and reaffirmed Iraq’s support for OIC initiatives aimed at promoting development and strengthening collective security and stability.

Concluding his address, al-Zaidi said Baghdad would remain a meeting point for cultures and peoples and a home for coexistence and fraternity. He reaffirmed Iraq’s readiness to help strengthen Islamic solidarity and expand cooperation among member states.



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