# OIC Foreign Ministers meet in Baghdad

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-hosting-oic-foreign-ministers-meeting
> Updated: 2026-10-18T18:24:20.000Z. Sources: 44. Developments: 6.

The 52nd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers concluded in Baghdad on October 18, 2026, with the formal adoption of the ‘Baghdad Declaration’. The summit, which marked the transfer of the OIC presidency from Turkey to Iraq, maintained the Palestinian cause as its central focus among 55 member states and observers.

The ‘Baghdad Declaration’ reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem to the Islamic Ummah. The council emphasized that Jerusalem is an integral part of territories occupied since 1967 and serves as the capital of the State of Palestine. It rejected all Israeli measures intended to alter the city’s legal, political, geographical, or demographic status. The declaration specifically condemned Israeli settlement expansion, land seizures, and forced displacement, highlighting the ‘E1’ colonial plan as a threat to the geographical continuity of Palestinian land. It also supported the Hashemite Custodianship of Jordan in protecting holy sites and called for international accountability under UN Security Council Resolution 2334.

During the summit, Iraq positioned itself as a regional mediator. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced efforts to facilitate a meeting in Baghdad between Iran and Gulf states to bridge differences regarding security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. In related discussions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi to discuss bilateral ties. Araghchi advocated for diplomacy to prevent insecurity and criticized United States actions, alleging they hinder diplomatic paths and destabilize international maritime security.

## Claims

- Turkey is transferring its OIC presidency to Iraq during this meeting. (disputed by 12 sources)
- The 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting is held under the theme of dialogue and solidarity. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The Palestinian issue is central to regional conflict and stability. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The Palestinian cause is a primary agenda item for the Baghdad meeting. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Turkey advocates for a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The meeting is expected to result in the adoption of the Baghdad Declaration. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Iraq launched an initiative to integrate energy, railway, transport, and digital communication networks among Islamic countries. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The initiative includes developing digital payment systems and commercial platforms. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers is being held in Baghdad on October 17-18, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Hakan Fidan identified Israel's policies as the primary security threat to the Middle East. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The OIC Secretary-General condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: OIC Council issues Baghdad Declaration on Palestine and Jerusalem

The OIC Council of Foreign Ministers issued the Baghdad Declaration, reaffirming Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and condemning Israeli settlement expansion and measures to alter the city's status.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oic-council-issues-baghdad-declaration-on-palestine-and-jerusalem

### 2026-10-18: Iraq mediates Iran-Gulf dialogue during OIC summit in Baghdad

Iraq is mediating efforts to host an Iran-Gulf meeting in Baghdad following the 52nd OIC ministerial session, where officials discussed regional security and the adoption of the Baghdad Declaration.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-mediates-iran-gulf-dialogue-during-oic-summit-in-baghdad

### 2026-10-18: OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meets in Baghdad

At the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, the organization reaffirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, while Mozambique called for international cooperation against terrorism.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oic-council-of-foreign-ministers-meets-in-baghdad

### 2026-10-16: OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meets in Baghdad as Iraq assumes presidency

The 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers convened in Baghdad, with Iraq assuming the presidency from Turkey. Key discussions focused on Palestinian statehood, regional security, and a new Iraqi-led integration

33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oic-foreign-ministers-council-to-meet-in-baghdad

### 2026-10-11: Iraq to host OIC Foreign Ministers Council in Baghdad

Iraq will host the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers session in Baghdad on October 17-18, 2026, assuming the council's presidency from Turkey and prioritizing discussions on Palestine and Gaza.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-to-host-oic-foreign-ministers-council-in-baghdad

### 2026-09-29: Iraq prepares to host OIC Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and OIC officials are preparing for Baghdad to host the 52nd Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in October 2026, the first such event in the city since 1981.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-prepares-to-host-oic-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-baghdad

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Cite as: OIC Foreign Ministers meet in Baghdad. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iraq-hosting-oic-foreign-ministers-meeting
