OIC Foreign Ministers Gather In Baghdad To Address Regional Crises And Advance Economic Integration

BAGHDAD, Oct 17 – Foreign ministers from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states convened in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for the opening of the group’s 52nd session to address pressing regional crises, the ongoing conflict in Palestine, and cross-border economic cooperation.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi formally opened the two-day ministerial meeting, emphasizing that the Islamic world is confronting escalating regional and international challenges that require enhanced collective action to safeguard national interests and stability.

“What we are witnessing in terms of crises at the regional and international levels calls for greater joint action to protect the interests of our peoples, serve the causes of our nation and ensure the future of our generations,” Prime Minister al-Zaidi declared in his opening address.

During the session, Iraq officially assumed the OIC’s rotating presidency from Türkiye under the conference theme, “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Essential Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development”.

Palestinian Sovereignty, Trade Security, and Iraq’s Regional Integration Initiative

The high-level ministerial meeting focused on crucial geopolitical, security, and infrastructure priorities across member nations:

• Centrality of the Palestinian Cause: Prime Minister al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s steadfast stance that resolving the Palestinian crisis and guaranteeing justice and full rights for the Palestinian people remain essential prerequisites for broader Middle Eastern peace and security.
• Gaza and Regional Conflict Crises: Deliberations over the two-day summit are slated to address continuous military escalations in Gaza alongside emerging stability threats in neighboring crisis zones across the Islamic world.
• Unrestricted Trade and Corridor Protection: Iraq called on member states to maintain the freedom of international trade, safeguard maritime trade routes, and guarantee the unimpeded movement of transport through critical global transit corridors.
• Pan-OIC Infrastructure Integration Initiative: Prime Minister al-Zaidi unveiled a major Iraqi diplomatic initiative designed to interconnect energy grids, railway lines, transport networks, and digital communications infrastructure across OIC states, alongside establishing unified digital payment systems and inter-industrial zone integration.
• Diplomatic Recognition and Peace Building: The Iraqi leadership expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its active diplomatic mediation efforts to defuse regional tensions, calling on all member countries to intensify joint peace initiatives.

Delegates are expected to finalize a joint communique outlining coordinated diplomatic actions and regional economic partnerships prior to the conclusion of the summit on Sunday.

–NMT