Foreign Minister Fidan: We Will Continue to Stand Firm Against Oppression
Foreign Minister Fidan: We Will Continue to Stand Firm Against Oppression
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “As Turkey, during our term presidency, we will raise the voice of the Islamic world, prioritize the establishment of global justice, and continue to stand firm against oppression.”
Minister Fidan addressed the participants at the opening of the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held at the Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Fidan noted that Istanbul is one of the key centers for regional and global peace efforts. He thanked Cameroon for fulfilling its OIC term presidency duties successfully throughout 2024.
Fidan stated that the strong voice rising from Africa is a sign of a multi-centered revival within the Islamic world. “The voice of Africa is our voice. We believe our organization plays an important role in helping Africa achieve its rightful place on the global stage,” he said.
He emphasized, “As Turkey, during our term presidency, we will raise the voice of the Islamic geography, prioritize the establishment of global justice, and continue to stand tall in the face of oppression.”
“Israel, which continues its genocide in Gaza and spills blood across all occupied territories, is now attacking our neighbor Iran, dragging the entire region to the brink of a catastrophe,” Fidan said, adding that consultations would primarily focus on presenting a strong stance against this "borderless aggression."
Fidan underlined the need for regional ownership to address all the challenges within the OIC geography.
“This is clearly an Israel problem”
Minister Fidan stressed that Israel’s ongoing aggression and occupation policies reveal, “in all its stark reality,” the existence of a fundamental problem that needs to be addressed:
“This issue is not a problem of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or Iran. This is clearly an Israel problem.”
Referring to Israel's attack on Iran during a time when negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program are ongoing, Minister Fidan stated that these attacks were “strongly condemned.”
He warned that this situation could result in “catastrophic” consequences for the region and could also have wide-reaching repercussions elsewhere, emphasizing, “These illegal attacks must be stopped immediately.”
“Islamic countries must lead the construction of a global system that prioritizes justice”
Fidan said that Istanbul, which has carried the dignity and memory of Islamic civilization throughout history, remains a meeting point where hopes for a common future are nurtured.
“Today, we are holding this meeting right in the middle of a crisis belt stretching from Gaza to Iran, from Lebanon to Yemen,” he said.
He emphasized that the participation of many countries representing the Islamic world, despite difficult times, serves as a beautiful example of solidarity:
“Let us not forget: divided nations fall into weakness, and hearts that are split will not see victory. We see the ummah as a whole.”
Fidan noted that multilateralism — the foundation of international cooperation — is now facing a legitimacy crisis, with growing intolerance, identity-based polarization, and the erosion of international law deepening global instability.
He highlighted the ineffectiveness of international mechanisms, especially the UN Security Council, which has been fully exposed by the ongoing atrocities in Gaza:
“Our organization must play a leading role in this regard. As part of a bloc representing one-quarter of the world’s population and possessing immense resources, Islamic countries must lead the construction of a global system that upholds justice and prioritizes rights.”
Fidan stated that the strong participation in the meeting reflects a shared commitment and determination to act in unity and solidarity:
“In this turbulent period we are going through, Islam provides the essential guidance we all urgently need,” he said.
Fidan added that the Organization serves not only as a dialogue platform but also plays an important role in coordinating the policies of member states and fostering consensus.
He emphasized that Turkey, as a founding member of the OIC, will continue to play a constructive and leading role in realizing the Organization’s full potential. He concluded by noting that efforts will be concentrated in four main areas.
Minister Fidan stated that nessary steps would be taken to develop the Organization’s relations with other countries and international organizations, and that the rights of Muslim communities and minorities would continue to be defended with determination.
"As Turkey, we are ready to do our part"
Referring to Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Fidan said, “The first priority of the international community should be to prevent the current situation from turning into a spiral of violence that would further endanger regional and global security.”
Fidan said, “As Turkey, we are ready to do our part,” emphasizing that all diplomatic steps to be taken under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are supported and that diplomatic traffic is ongoing.
Fidan stated, “We believe that OIC members should act in unity against Israel’s actions and demonstrate real solidarity with Iran,” and added:
“Israel continues its genocide policies and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people. Not only Gaza, but also the West Bank is being turned into a war zone. Israel’s aim is to drive Palestinians from their homes and end the vision of a two-state solution.
Our priority is a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and uninterrupted humanitarian access to Gaza. We strongly support the ongoing negotiations for this purpose.
Once again, I thank Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in this matter.
It is clear that the two-state solution is the only viable path to a just and lasting peace.
It has now become much clearer that the ongoing occupation in Palestinian territories is the root cause of all conflicts in our region.
The Palestinian cause and the protection of Jerusalem are the reason for the existence of the OIC.”
"We are very pleased that Syria has returned to our Organization"
Minister Fidan reminded that thanks to joint efforts, it is possible to take necessary steps toward a stable and prosperous Syria for the Syrian people, and said, “We are very pleased that Syria has returned to our Organization.”
He stated that as the process of easing ongoing sanctions on Syria continues, support for the Syrian people must also continue. He said the Balkans, a long-standing part of the Islamic geography, bear deep traces not only of historical ties but also of shared civilization and brotherhood.
Fidan said, “Our Muslim brothers living in these lands have gone through many trials in the past,” emphasizing that today they are also standing strong against the danger of fragmentation.
He said, “It is our common duty to show that they are not alone and that the Islamic world stands by our Bosnian brothers,” and strongly condemned the discriminatory, separatist, and hate-based rhetoric in the region, as well as religious and ethnic revisionist approaches.
Support for peace in Sudan
Speaking about developments in Sudan, Fidan said, “Our hearts ache. As Turkey, we strongly support all regional and international peace efforts to end this crisis.”
Calling on the international community to sincerely support peace and stability in Sudan, Fidan said, “Let us not forget that solving this issue is of vital importance not only for the people of Sudan but also for the entire continent, especially the Horn of Africa.”
Conflict between Pakistan and India
Referring to the conflict between Pakistan and India, Fidan said, “It once again revealed the fragility of peace and stability in South Asia.”
Fidan stated that he welcomed the ceasefire decision between the parties and expressed hope that this opportunity would be used to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Minister Fidan said, “Unless the disputes in the region, especially the Kashmir issue, are resolved, the potential for tension will remain. Channels of dialogue need to be made operational.”
Call for support for the natural rights of Turkish Cypriots
Reminding that there are two peoples and two states on the island of Cyprus, Fidan said:
“The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, an inseparable part of the Islamic world, is represented in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as an observer. However, unfortunately, Turkish Cypriots have continued to live under unjust and inhumane isolation imposed on them for decades. We call on all member states to support the natural rights of Turkish Cypriots and to engage with them directly.”