Palestinian issue is central to OIC, says UAE foreign minister

Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reaffirmed that the Palestinian issue is central to both the Arab and Muslim nations.
He stressed the ongoing efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting solution to it and to establish an independent Palestinian State according to the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
He added that the OIC, since its first day of establishment, aimed to support and serve the Palestinian issue, especially the issue of Al-Quds Al Sharif, and “We are committed to the Arab Peace Initiative, which has received support from Arab countries and globally.”
In a press conference at the conclusion of the Forty-Sixth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of Member States of the OIC held in Abu Dhabi over the last two days, Sheikh Abdullah underscored that the UAE is committed to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
He said, “I congratulate everyone on all the outcomes of our meeting, which will enable the Muslim world to overcome its crises and secure a brighter future for our peoples.”
He added that, “Today, we decided to mark the year 2019 as a golden jubilee of the 50th anniversary of the OIC, in order to enhance its presence as an international organisation and an effective partner in the stabilisation of peace, security and development in the world.”
He also welcomed the OIC’s resolution to mark the golden jubilee of the OIC that recognises Saudi Arabia’s generous support and cooperation, during all these decades, as it is a real opportunity for this organisation to flourish and grow not only in the joint action field, but also in the service of the peoples of the member states through a number of cultural, social, humanitarian and development institutions.
Sheikh Abdullah said, “We call upon the member states to translate into concrete reality the Decennial Programme of Action to 2025. We also praise the resolution of the member states to dedicate the 19th of Ramadan of each year a day, which coincides with the anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to celebrate volunteering work in the Muslim World and promote the concepts of volunteering, especially among the youth.’’