Jeddah to Host OIC Meeting to Support Palestinians, Ease War Impact

A meeting for Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Nouakchott, Mauritania. (OIC)
A meeting for Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Nouakchott, Mauritania. (OIC)
TT

Jeddah to Host OIC Meeting to Support Palestinians, Ease War Impact

A meeting for Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Nouakchott, Mauritania. (OIC)
A meeting for Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Nouakchott, Mauritania. (OIC)

Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah is set to host the extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee on Wednesday.

The meeting will discuss the military escalation in Gaza and its surroundings, as well as the deteriorating conditions in the region, which pose threats to civilians, regional security, and stability.

Invitations have been extended to all 57 member countries of OIC, a reliable source informed Asharq Al-Awsat.

The majority of member countries have confirmed the attendance of their foreign ministers.

The meeting is significant, particularly after Saudi Arabia, currently presiding over the Executive Committee of the OIC, decided to make the meeting open to all member states.

This inclusivity extends beyond the members of the Executive Committee, which consists of six countries.

The decision broadens the scope of the Islamic meeting concerning the developments in Gaza, with a keen interest in the expected outcomes that could address the Israeli military escalation against Palestinians.

The meeting is primarily focused on bringing together member states, and invitations have not been extended to international organizations, according to the source.

Experts anticipate that the meeting will result in a communique in support of the Palestinian cause and the right to self-determination, while safeguarding the civilian population from airstrikes.

Additionally, it is expected to address the support mechanism and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Experts also emphasize that the Jeddah meeting will carry significant weight both regionally and internationally, given that Saudi Arabia has extended the invitation and will host the event.

The meeting is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to halt the escalation in Gaza and prevent its spillover into the region.

These efforts involve engaging with all international and regional parties while continuing to stand by the Palestinian people, supporting their legitimate rights, aspirations, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
TT

EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.