Hakan Fidan addresses Islamic countries: 'The entire Ummah is watching us'

The Foreign Minister of Turkey, Hakan Fidan, attended the 15th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit held in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, the smallest country in West Africa, to represent Turkey.

Before the official opening of the summit, Minister Fidan took part in the family photo with the heads of state and government of the member countries.

At the summit, which was held under the theme "Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development," Fidan emphasized the measures Turkey has taken against Israel and the importance it places on the Palestinian issue.

Criticizing Israel's policies toward Palestinians, Minister Fidan stated that steps must be taken on this issue in the international arena, adding, "We will use all possible diplomatic channels to ensure that Israel does not go unpunished."

"THIS IS OUR TEST"

According to the information obtained, Minister Fidan mentioned the following at the summit:

"This is our test. We must prove that we can be united. We must show that the Islamic world can achieve results through diplomatic channels and, when necessary, coercive measures. Islamic history is full of destructive divisions. Today, we cannot repeat these mistakes. The Palestinian cause cannot be sacrificed for regional rivalries. None of us has the right to resolve our issues or rivalries among ourselves over the blood of Palestinians. If the solidarity and unity of the Islamic world are lost, the only winners will be Israel and its supporters."

"THAT THERE IS A PRICE FOR VIOLATING INTERNATIONAL LAW..."

Minister Fidan said that if this historical injustice is not corrected now and forever, the next stage will bring a greater catastrophe than ever before. Fidan stated that everyone must force Israel to end its oppression of Palestinians and to accept a two-state solution, and show Israel that there is a price for violating international law.

Using the phrase "It is essential that we mobilize all available and effective tools and all elements of pressure against Israel," Fidan emphasized that Turkey has imposed a full trade ban on Israel.

Recalling that on May 1, Turkey announced its decision to join the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, Fidan reiterated that they would use all possible diplomatic channels to ensure Israel does not go unpunished and that they would not refrain from any initiative.

"IT WILL DEAL A SIGNIFICANT BLOW TO ISRAEL"

Stating that the entire Ummah and people of common sense around the world are watching them today, Fidan said:

"Our people expect concrete results from this summit. The recognition of Palestine by more countries will deal a significant blow to Israel. Furthermore, we must exert all our efforts to ensure Palestine's full membership in the UN."

BILATERAL MEETINGS HELD

In addition to the summit, Minister Fidan also held bilateral meetings.

Within the framework of his bilateral meetings, Foreign Minister Fidan, who was received by Gambian President Adama Barrow, met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Somali Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama.

Fidan, who met with Acting Sudanese Foreign Minister Hussein Awad Ali Mohamed in The Gambia, also met with representatives of Turkish companies operating in The Gambia.