Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit begins in Istanbul

The 13th Islamic Summit Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, hosted by Turkey, has kicked off at Istanbul Congress Center. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed heads of delegations from member states.

The summit that gathered the leaders in Istanbul is aimed at increasing unity and solidarity among Muslim countries in the fight against terrorism, and is considered the ‘last solution opportunity’ against the territorialization of the crisis.

During the summit, significant decisions are expected to be taken against the terrorist activities of Daesh and Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and affiliated Democratic Union Party (PYD); while initiatives will also be taken on Syria, the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia will be decreased and the relations between Turkey and Egypt will thaw.

The high-level meeting of Muslim leaders is also expected to discuss the situation in Yemen, Palestine, Iraq, and Azerbaijan. A declaration is also expected at the end of the meeting.

Founded in 1969, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation consists of 57 member states and represents the collective voice of the Islamic world, according to the statement.

This is the first time Turkey will host the two-day summit between Thursday and Friday since the body’s inception in 1969.

source:yenisafak