The State of Qatar participated in the annual coordination meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi.
In his statement on behalf of Qatar during the meeting, His Excellency stressed that Qatar is always keen on participating in the annual meeting, out of its belief that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation plays a crucial role in dealing with the shared interests and challenges faced by its nations and peoples. The current series of crises reinforces the need for greater unity and collaboration among member states. He added that the current crises were also an additional reason to enhance solidarity and cooperation between members.
He explained that at this halfway point towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, global attention is focused on the summit of sustainable development goals and preparations for the future summit.
He pointed out that global crises such as energy, food, and climate crises pose challenges to many of our countries, especially those with special circumstances. In this regard, he referred to the Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries hosted by Qatar in March of the previous year, where the political will was renewed, and support was mobilized for this group of countries. The Doha Program was adopted, including ambitious measures and commitments to build their capacity for resilience and achieve sustainable development. Qatar announced its contribution of $60 million to support the program.
On another note, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the continued escalation of violence and violations by the Israeli occupation authorities and settlers against Palestinians in the occupied land. He mentioned the ongoing systematic Judaization campaign in Jerusalem, where Islamic and Christian holy sites, especially the Al Aqsa Mosque, are being dangerously targeted. He affirmed that these actions not only constitute a clear violation of international law and legitimate international decisions but also provoke the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world, especially the Islamic world.
He stressed the necessity of keeping the Palestinian issue and the issue of Jerusalem at the forefront of the concerns of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and exerting efforts to provide political, humanitarian, and other forms of support to the Palestinian people.
He noted that the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly that requested an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the effects of the Israeli occupation and its practices reaffirmed the international rejection of the occupation, settlements, and unlawful practices. He added that Qatar, in support of the Palestinian position in this matter, submitted a memorandum to the court in July of the previous year.
He also highlighted the recent increase in hate speech and acts of bigotry against Islam and Muslims and the desecration of their sanctities, including the repeated incidents of Quran burning in some Western countries, which can ignite hostility and violence. He further staid that this matter, along with the broader problem of Islamophobia, should receive particular focus and consideration from the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Furthermore, he mentioned that while Qatar condemns terrorism in all its forms and rejects linking it to any specific religion, it emphasizes the need to combat terrorism driven by racism, extremism, hatred of foreigners, and other forms of bigotry. Qatar also condemns any disrespect for sanctities under the pretext of freedom of expression. There is no contradiction between demanding respect for sanctities and promoting tolerance and freedom.
He warned that Qatar is known for its efforts to promote the values of tolerance and moderation through dialogue between civilizations and religions, as well as its international efforts to counter violent extremism leading to terrorism.
He explained that through its successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar aims to highlight the role of sports in achieving peace and harmony among peoples and nations and to showcase the bright side of the Arab and Islamic society known for its moderation and balance.
In conclusion, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s commitment to the final statement of the 18th extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. He emphasized the importance of keeping this issue on the agenda of the upcoming Islamic summit and other relevant meetings. He also stressed the need for taking additional actions to address this negative trend against Islam and Muslims and to prevent its recurrence.
Source: Qatar News Agency