Doha: HE Permanent Observer for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Hameed Ajibaiye Opeloyeru emphasized the importance of the pioneering role played by the State of Qatar, under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in supporting the issues of the Islamic nation at the international level and within the halls of the UN and all its affiliated agencies and organizations.
According to Qatar News Agency, Opeloyeru said the OIC appreciates the role played by Qatar under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and his active participation in the UN General Assembly in serving the issues of the Islamic nation, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, as well as issues related to Islamophobia.
His Excellency added that Qatar made significant efforts within the framework of the UN to support issues related to economic growth, education, community development, and women’s empowerment. These are pioneering efforts with positive impacts that are reflected at the international and regional levels, which also contribute to serving Islamic countries and strengthening their presence in global forums.
HE OIC Permanent Observer underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between Qatar, the OIC, and all Islamic countries within the UN, including the Security Council, with the aim of forming a quasi-majority bloc that would provide it with an influential role in addressing and monitoring Islamic issues and defending the interests of Islamic countries.
His Excellency highlighted Qatar’s significant support for the OIC and the backing of its efforts and actions within the UN to promote international peace and security.
In return, he stressed that the OIC strongly supports Qatar, particularly in its recent stance following the treacherous Israeli attack on Qatari territory. The OIC played a prominent role in the adoption of a resolution condemning the attack at the UN, thanks to the efforts of OIC member states.
His Excellency noted that the OIC member states, including Qatar, consistently support the organization’s directions and decisions on various issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, which has effectively contributed to enhancing the success of the organization’s work, particularly at the UN level.
HE also praised Qatar’s prominent role in supporting education in Islamic countries through its various initiatives in this field, in addition to its support for health and sustainable development in least developed countries.
HE OIC Permanent Observer pointed to the ongoing preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha from November 4-6, stressing that the summit is part of efforts to promote comprehensive social development and advance the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and within the framework of Qatar’s generous support for and funding of the OIC’s programmes.
His Excellency commended Qatar’s positive role in international mediation, affirming its ongoing efforts to consolidate global peace and security.
In this context, he reviewed Qatar’s active contribution, alongside Egypt and the US, to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, affirming the OIC’s support for these efforts aimed at protecting civilians and achieving a permanent truce. He also reiterated the organization’s condemnation of the unjustified Israeli attack on Qatar, which plays the role of mediator in this regard.
Opeloyeru said that Qatar is a source of pride for Islamic countries, having succeeded in mediating numerous issues in a number of countries. Its efforts have contributed to ending many conflicts, saving lives, and promoting peace globally.
On another note, His Excellency highlighted the UN’s role and ability to address the challenges facing the Islamic world, reviewing aspects of cooperation between the OIC and the UN in the areas of sustainable development in member states. He also highlighted the implementation of multiple programmes and working mechanisms, and members are committed to achieving approximately 5% of the UN’s sustainable development programmes, taking into account the mid-term deadlines set for the implementation of these programmes.
He also stressed that the move by many countries to recognize the State of Palestine strengthens the Palestinian cause and carries important legal and moral implications, emphasizing that this constitutes international pressure in support of the two-state solution.
His Excellency added that the current UN General Assembly meetings will be pivotal, as further recognition of the State of Palestine, particularly from European and other countries, would represent an important and effective step in this direction.
In response to a question about calls to form an Arab and Islamic alliance to confront Israeli aggression, His Excellency highlighted the importance of regional alliances in confronting threats and challenges.
He explained that political and diplomatic alliances already exist, and that there is ongoing development toward new military alliances, such as the military agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, in addition to joint Gulf military cooperation. He emphasized that political initiatives could, over time, transform into joint defense and security alliances.