Foreign Minister attends Arab League, OIC’s emergency meeting

Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in an emergency joint ministerial meeting between the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Joint Arab-Islamic Committee. Dr. Shaya Zindani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen, chaired the Arab League delegation, while Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cameroon, led the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The Foreign Minister addressed the significant challenges facing the Arab region, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in civilian casualties. He warned of the growing risks of regional escalation that could threaten international peace and security. The Minister emphasised for an immediate and perman ent ceasefire, the protection of civilians and civilian property, the release of hostages and detainees, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery to civilians through all crossings. He highlighted the need to continue efforts to increase the number of countries recognising the State of Palestine, particularly attracting countries with political weight in the international community. He stressed the importance of supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and enhancing the role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. He called for directing efforts to strengthen communication between the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation with the United Nations, the Security Council, and specialised international organisations, emphasising the necessity of adhering to international laws, particularly the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The Minister underscored the importance of implementing Security Council Resolution 1701 regarding the situ ation in Lebanon, Resolution 2735 based on the US President's initiative, Resolution 2720 concerning the expansion of humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and the General Assembly resolution calling for Israel to end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, following the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The meeting also discussed the coordination between Arab and Islamic countries regarding diplomatic action in the upcoming phase to support the rights of the Palestinian people. The focus was on achieving an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, reducing tension and escalation, and advancing efforts for the establishment of a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in the region to create an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Jamal Faris Al Rowaiei, Bahrain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Source: Bahrain News Agency