Ambassador Hassanein Kamel, spokesperson for the 52nd session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, announced on Saturday that the session’s proceedings had begun in Baghdad. The meeting brings together representatives of 55 member states, guest of honor UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and delegates from more than 40 OIC-affiliated organizations.

Kamel said the opening session was held in the morning, followed in the afternoon by the Council’s formal proceedings, including the adoption of the agenda and statements by invited guests and the foreign ministers of participating member states.

He explained that discussions focused on “exploring diplomatic mechanisms to pressure the Zionist entity to halt forced displacement and settlement activities, and to facilitate the entry of humanitarian organizations—including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)—into the Gaza Strip and the rest of the Palestinian territories.” The talks also addressed other issues related to the Palestinian cause.

Kamel added that the agenda also covers economic and development issues, including strengthening cooperation among member states in transportation, communications, technology, and food and water security. These discussions aim to advance development and improve the living conditions and well-being of people across the Islamic world.

He further noted that, alongside the main proceedings, a special committee was meeting to discuss the details of the final declaration. The declaration is expected to address political developments in the region and across the broader Islamic world, with particular emphasis on the Palestinian cause.