“As the OIC members, we should refrain from any action that may undermine the Palestinian cause”

In a video message to the 37th Ministerial Session of the COMCEC, President Erdoğan said: "I would like to reemphasize that we are determined to defend to the end our Palestinian cause, the founding purpose of the OIC. As the OIC members, we should refrain from any action that may undermine the Palestinian cause."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sent a video message to the 37^th Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC).

"WASTING NATURAL RESOURCES JEOPARDIZES FOOD PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY"

Stressing that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are felt very deeply in every aspect of the life, President Erdoğan said: "For example, supply and demand imbalances occurring at a global scale have led to high increases in commodity prices. The FAO food price index has risen by 31.5 percent year-on-year in October reaching its highest level since 2011. IMF Commodity General Index has also increased by 74 percent in October, energy prices by 176 percent and non-energy commodity prices by 20.5 percent."

Stating that the extraordinary course observed globally in commodity prices has also triggered inflation rates all around the world, President Erdoğan underlined that wasting natural resources also jeopardizes food production and food security.

"WE NEED TO PROVIDE POLITICAL, HUMANITARIAN, FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT TO THE BROTHERLY COUNTRIES"

Drawing attention to the need for finding permanent solutions to problems that threaten the future such as poverty, forced migration, terrorism and climate change, President Erdoğan said: "To this end, we should make the best use of the cooperation platforms we have, and develop joint policies and programs."

"Islamic countries are struggling not only with the problems caused by the pandemic, but also with many difficulties from terrorism to poverty, from internal conflicts to migration. As the OIC members, we need to strengthen our economic cooperation on one hand and provide the necessary political, humanitarian, financial and legal support to our brotherly countries on the other hand," the President said.

Stressing that establishing lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan is the OIC members' joint wish, President Erdoğan stated: "It is our fraternal duty towards the Afghan people that we stand with them who have been struggling with clashes, terrorism and occupation for 40 years. During this period, it should be our priority to continue humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which is faced with a serious crisis due to winter conditions. I am of the opinion that we as the Islamic countries should be at the forefront of these efforts."

President Erdoğan went onto say: "I would like to reemphasize that we are determined to defend to the end our Palestinian cause, the founding purpose of the OIC. As the OIC members, we should refrain from any action that would undermine the Palestinian cause. We should put a stop to Israel's policies of illegal settlement, destruction, forced displacement, confiscation and evacuation in eastern Al-Quds and West Bank. We should work with all our might to preserve the status and sanctity of Al-Quds Al-Sharif, Palestine's capital city. What is important is to reach permanent peace and stability on the basis of a two-state solution and established international parameters."

Noting that there has been an alarming escalation in Islamophobic and xenophobic acts and rhetoric in recent years, President Erdoğan said: "Muslims are exposed to racist, discriminatory, Islamophobic and xenophobic acts in many countries, particularly in Europe. The so-called measures that restrict the basic human rights and freedoms of the Islamic community are worrisome. Turkey makes every kind of efforts to ensure that international platforms are used more effectively, international mechanisms are strengthened and joint concrete steps are taken in the fight against these problems. As the Organization, we should act in unity and enhance our cooperation in this field as well."

"THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE ATROCITIES TAKING PLACE IN SYRIA"

Pointing out to the deepening humanitarian crisis facing the Rohingya Muslims, President Erdoğan continued his remarks as follows: "It is not possible to attain a solution and peace in Arakan without the Rohingyas' safe, voluntary and honorable return to Myanmar. We hope that the ongoing crisis doesn't interrupt the solution process. The international community has not been able to stop the atrocities taking place in Syria, either. It is essential to find a permanent solution which will protect Syria's territorial integrity and ensure safe returns to the country. Our fight against terrorist organizations such as DAESH and the PKK/YPG, which pose a threat to Syria's territorial integrity and our national security, will continue with determination."

Thanks to the support given through solidarity with the legitimacy in Libya, the balance was achieved on the ground, the political process was advanced and the Government of National Unity, representing the entire country, was founded, President Erdoğan further stressed.

Underlining that Turkey will continue its strong support for the Libyans' struggle to attain permanent stability, peace and prosperity, President Erdoğan continued as follows: "We also follow the situation of the Uyghur Turks and other Muslim minorities in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with great sensitivity. On this occasion, I once again underline our expectation that our Organization, too, will show sensitivity in this regard in line with its founding purposes."

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