The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) voiced on Sunday its concern towards the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where ongoing developments are displacing refugees and coronavirus pandemic repercussions continue to ail society.
The organization urged “the future Afghan leadership” and the international community to work together to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or haven for “terrorists”.
“Terrorist organizations are not allowed to have a foothold (in Afghanistan),” said a final communique, issued after the Saudi Arabia-based organization held a special meeting in Jeddah called by Riyadh to discuss the situation in the country.
The OIC said it would seek to help achieve peace in Afghanistan and to facilitate evacuation operations from the country, affirming that it stands with Afghanistan at this critical juncture.
Recalling the severe suffering and hardship Afghanistan and its people went through due to protracted conflict and violence, the OIC stressed that efforts need to be directed towards the development and the welfare of the people.
“The meeting reaffirmed the OIC’s full commitment to support the Afghan-led and owned peace process and comprehensive reconciliation to reach a comprehensive and lasting political solution and ensure the support of this process by the main neighboring countries and the international community,” the communique read.
The communique focused on the importance of the OIC mission in Kabul cooperating and supporting the Afghan people in its primary humanitarian role.
It urged all parties to work to advance the interests of the Afghan people, renounce violence, maintain security in the Afghan society, and establish lasting peace. All this is meant to achieve the aspirations of the Afghan people, their hopes for stability and prosperity.
OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen told Asharq Al-Awsat that the organization’s meeting aimed at “crystallizing a unified position from the Islamic world.”
The OIC chief moved on to explain that Saudi Arabia calling for the OIC meeting proves the Kingdom’s keenness on Afghanistan’s humanitarian, political and security affairs.
