OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meets in Baghdad

During the 52nd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, Iraq, member nations addressed regional stability and sovereignty.

Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali met with OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, where the organization reaffirmed its “steadfast support for the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” This stance comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding Somaliland, which has operated independently since 1991 but is considered sovereign Somali territory by the OIC. The organization has previously called on members to avoid official engagement with Somaliland authorities outside the Somali federal framework.

Representing Mozambique, Minister of Justice, Constitutional Affairs and Religious Affairs Mateus Saize emphasized the nation’s commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation. Saize condemned terrorism and violent extremism, advocating for coordinated international action paired with investments in education, employment, and social inclusion to combat these threats. He also called for the legitimate interests of developing nations to be considered in global decision-making processes.