Bahrain Calls for OIC Unity

Bahrain has called for stronger solidarity and coordination among Islamic countries as regional security and humanitarian challenges continue to affect the Muslim world.

The call came during the annual coordination meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented Bahrain at the meeting, which brought together foreign ministers and heads of delegations from OIC member states.

At the outset of his remarks, Shaikh Abdullah congratulated Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his election as OIC Secretary-General and expressed Bahrain’s appreciation for the efforts of former Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha during his tenure.

He stressed the importance of strengthening Islamic solidarity and joint action in addressing challenges facing the Islamic world, based on good-neighbourliness, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.

Shaikh Abdullah reiterated Bahrain’s condemnation of what it described as repeated Iranian attacks targeting regional security and stability. He called for an end to such attacks, full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and the protection of the security, safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and international waterways.

He also reaffirmed Bahrain’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, while stressing the Kingdom’s commitment to restraint and support for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing escalation and promoting regional peace and security.

On the Palestinian issue, Shaikh Abdullah reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution, international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

He stressed the importance of consolidating the ceasefire, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, supporting recovery efforts and creating conditions for reconstruction.

The meeting also addressed political and humanitarian developments in several Islamic countries and communities, with emphasis on political solutions and strengthened humanitarian responses.

Shaikh Abdullah concluded by reaffirming Bahrain’s support for the OIC’s central role in advancing the interests of the Islamic world, strengthening solidarity and joint action, and promoting security, peace, development and prosperity among member states.