By Omar Bah
The 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held to ” enhance unity and solidarity through dialogue for sustainable development,” concluded on Sunday in Banjul, The Gambia, with the adoption of the final communiqué and Banjul Declaration.
The recent OIC Summit, which took place on May 4-5 at the “Dawda Kairaba Jawara” International Conference Center, was attended by several heads of member states. During this meeting, a resolution was adopted regarding Palestine and Al-Quds Asharif. Under the leadership of President Adama Barrow, the new chairman, and host, the Banjul Summit reinforced the OIC’s unwavering support of the Palestinian people and their cause. The resolution called for an immediate cessation of Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, along with efforts to facilitate sufficient and sustainable aid delivery to the region. Additionally, the OIC pledged to continue supporting Palestine’s right to full membership in the United Nations, ultimately leading to establishing the State of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif serving as its capital.
The Secretary General of the OIC, Hissein Brahim Taha, stated that the Banjul Summit demonstrated its support for the UNRWA and its ongoing crucial role. The Summit also emphasized the importance of pursuing legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to hold it responsible for its atrocities against the Palestinian people. Additionally, the Summit prioritized promoting the rights of marginalized groups such as women, children, people with special needs, and youth. The Summit also focused on enhancing economic cooperation, trade exchanges, and agriculture to mitigate food insecurity. Furthermore, the Summit addressed environmental conservation and the need to combat Islamophobia and religious hatred through increased international cooperation.
Representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the Summit was the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq. Toufiq read the Royal Speech during the opening ceremony, which addressed various topics, including the Palestinian question, peace and security, and the situation of Muslim communities and minorities in non-member states.
Additionally, the Summit’s agenda encompassed a wide range of legal, humanitarian, social, cultural, economic, scientific, technological, media, administrative, and financial issues. The Republic of The Gambia currently chairs this 15th, Summit.
Under the auspices of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, the inaugural ceremony facilitated an engaging platform for member state leaders to engage in insightful conversations regarding political, economic, humanitarian, social, and cultural concerns. Of utmost importance was the shared objective to denounce hate speech and combat Islamophobia, foster constructive dialogue, and tackle pertinent issues such as climate change and food security.
Before the 15th session, a foreign ministerial meeting was held with the presence of Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates. He was accompanied by Mustapha Mansouri, Morocco’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the OIC, Mohamed Methqal, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, Ahmed Belhaj, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Moroccan Embassy in Gambia, as well as several officials from the Ministry.
