OIC Foreign Ministers Gather in Baghdad for 52nd Session: Palestine, Crises, and Iraq's Integration Initiative

The 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation opened in Baghdad. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi opened the meeting, stated that the Palestinian issue remains the core of the conflict in the region, and presented Iraq's initiative to integrate energy grids, railways, transport, and digital systems among OIC countries. Iraq took over the rotating chairmanship of the organisation from Turkey.

tafs uz editorial deskFirst published on tafs uz 17 October 2026 at 14:102 min readAI translation

The key facts

The 52nd OIC CFM session is being held in Baghdad under the motto 'Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Key Pillars of Peace and Sustainable Development'
Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi presented an initiative to integrate energy grids, railways, transport, digital payments, and industrial zones of OIC countries
Iraq took over the rotating OIC chairmanship from Turkey; the session lasts two days

Opening of the 52nd Session in Baghdad

Foreign ministers of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered in Baghdad on Saturday for the organisation's 52nd session. The agenda includes regional crises, the Palestinian issue, and cooperation among member countries. The meeting was opened by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi, the Iraqi National News Agency (INA) reports.

Al-Zaidi's Address

Welcoming the delegates, al-Zaidi stated that the Islamic world is facing growing challenges that test its capacity for coexistence and adaptation to economic, cultural, and media transformations. 'What we are witnessing in terms of crises at the regional and international levels requires more active joint action to protect the interests of our peoples, serve the causes of our nation, and secure the future of our generations,' he said.

The Palestinian Issue

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Iraq's position that the Palestinian issue remains at the center of the conflict in the region. According to him, ensuring justice for the Palestinian people and guarantees of their rights are necessary for regional security and stability.

Iraq's Integration Initiative

Al-Zaidi also called for freedom of trade, protection of trade routes, and the unimpeded movement of transport along international corridors. He announced an Iraqi initiative aimed at integrating energy grids, railway networks, transport, and digital communications among OIC countries, developing digital payment systems and trade platforms, and strengthening integration between industrial zones. He named the initiative's goal as promoting security, stability, and prosperity, as well as enhancing member states' capacity to withstand crises and challenges.

Thanks to Pakistan and Change of Chairmanship

Al-Zaidi thanked Pakistan for its efforts to reduce regional tension and called on OIC countries to intensify efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. During the meeting, Iraq took over the rotating chairmanship of the organisation from Turkey.

Format and Agenda of the Session

The two-day session is being held under the motto 'Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Key Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development.' Participants are discussing Israel's ongoing attacks in Gaza and the situation in other crisis zones of the Islamic world.