Maldives Takes Part In The 17th Session Of OIC Council Of Foreign Ministers

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel, attended the 17^th Extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers today to examine the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The summit was called at the request of the Saudi Arabian government and sponsored by the Pakistani government in Islamabad.
 
State Minister Khaleel voiced alarm in his statements about Afghanistan's fast deteriorating condition and its repercussions for Afghans and the rest of the region. He underscored the significance of protecting and strengthening women's rights, emphasizing that the Maldives is particularly concerned about the condition of Afghan women and girls.
 
He also urged all parties to engage in genuine discussion and actively participate in national reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring democracy and achieving a political settlement through an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process. He also urged the international community to participate in efforts to restore peace, stability, and prosperity to the Afghan people.
 
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which has 57 member states, was established to safeguard and protect the interests of Muslims around the world. The Maldives joined the OIC on July 26, 1976, and has subsequently attended all regular and extraordinary summits, as well as Foreign Ministers Meetings.