Indonesian Foreign Minister Asks OKI To Be More Firm And Hard To Strengthen Multilateralism And International Law

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono conveyed a number of urgent advice to the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including asking for it to be firmer and harsher.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Sugiono in front of the 51st OKI Foreign Ministerial Conference (KTM) in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, June 21.

Statements also amid the global situation continue to heat up, particularly with Israel's continuing violence including recent attacks on Iran.

"OKI must be tougher and firmer in strengthening multilateralism and international law," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sunday, June 22.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister in this KTM conveyed a number of urgent suggestions to the OIC, including the need to intensify diplomatic and political efforts; pressure for recognition for the wider Palestinians; and the importance of the OIC uniting in reforming multilateral systems.

"As an organization of Global South countries, OKI must not tire of pushing for a fairer and more inclusive world system," exclaimed the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

Foreign Minister Sugiono on this occasion also again condemned Israel's attack on Iran, urging related parties to exercise restraint and not give up on diplomacy.

Given the various multilateral challenges, the Foreign Minister urged the OIC to prioritize collaboration and solidarity, as well as maintain the relevance of the OIC in the world which continues to change.

"Stop conflicts between members, resolve differences of opinion," he said.

"Without unity, solidarity and enthusiasm to act clearly, the voice of the OIC will never be heard," the Indonesian Foreign Minister reminded.

In this KTM, the Foreign Minister also encourages the strengthening of economic cooperation and development between fellow OIC countries, especially in trade, education, science, and downstream natural resources.

The 51st KTM of the OKI was chaired by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, as the host. The annual conference was attended by 50 delegations of OIC member countries. Many delegates were present led by foreign ministers such as Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Malaysia, Egypt and Pakistan.

The presence of the Indonesian Foreign Minister is proof of Indonesia's contribution as one of the largest Muslim-generated countries in the world in helping to solve global challenges and Muslims. Indonesia was one of the founding countries of the OIC in 1969.