The 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (2025)

The 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a multilateral diplomatic gathering, was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 21–22 June 2025 under Türkiye’s chairmanship. The meeting took place at the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center with the participation of foreign ministers from OIC member states. The meeting was convened to strengthen political coordination within the Islamic world, address regional crises including the Palestinian issue, and establish common positions based on international law. The theme of the meeting was designated as “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation in a Changing World.” At the conclusion of the meeting, the “Istanbul Declaration of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation” was issued.

51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 21 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Location, Date and Participants

The 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 21–22 June 2025 under Türkiye’s chairmanship. The venue chosen for the meeting was the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center. Representatives from OIC member states, including their foreign ministers and delegations, as well as observers, attended the meeting. In addition, United Nations officials, representatives of international agencies, and numerous diplomatic missions participated as observers or guests.

51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 21 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

At Iran’s request, a special session was added to the agenda and held in Istanbul on a closed-door basis with the participation of all member states. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, representing Türkiye in its capacity as chair, presided over the meetings. The dates of the meeting coincided with a period of heightened regional security crises, including Israel’s attacks on Iran.

51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 21 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Opening Statements

The 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation commenced on 21 June 2025 with an opening program. At the opening, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Deputy Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini delivered speeches.

Moratinos highlighted the issue of Islamophobia, stating that it constitutes not only prejudice but also a violation of human rights. He noted that Muslims face exclusionary attitudes on online platforms and called for political will and multilateral cooperation to achieve a global solution. He announced that a high-level UN meeting on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, scheduled for 14 March 2026 in New York, is being planned.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 21 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

UNRWA Commissioner-General Lazzarini drew attention to the hunger crisis and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the ineffectiveness of the newly established aid mechanism. He noted that the agency conducts over 50,000 medical examinations daily but warned that its operations are threatened by financial constraints and appealed to OIC member states for financial support.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Khiari, in his address, underscored Istanbul’s historic role in diplomacy, referred to the rising tensions following Israel’s attacks on Iran, and emphasized that diplomacy remains the primary instrument for establishing lasting peace.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in his opening remarks, announced that Türkiye had assumed the chairmanship of the OIC, affirming that the voice of the Islamic world would be defended and that stronger diplomatic cooperation through multilateral frameworks would be pursued. He stated that Türkiye continues to follow the Palestinian agenda at the United Nations and provides support to UNRWA.

Participation of President Erdoğan and Bilateral Engagements

On the occasion of the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the meetings held on 21 June 2025 at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress Center in Istanbul and held various diplomatic engagements.

President Erdoğan first received Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The discussion covered foreign policy and regional security issues. On the same day, bilateral meetings were held with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 21 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

During the meeting with the Iranian delegation, Israel’s attacks on Iran and ongoing conflicts were discussed, along with Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. Erdoğan emphasized the need to utilize diplomatic channels in response to Israel’s attacks on Iran, just as it does regarding its operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

In meetings with Pakistan, the functioning of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and defense cooperation between the two countries were reviewed. Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to advancing relations with Pakistan at a strategic level. During talks with Qatar, bilateral relations and regional developments were assessed, with particular attention drawn to the risk that Israel’s attacks might divert international focus away from Gaza.

President Erdoğan underscored Türkiye’s continued efforts to achieve calm and resolve conflicts through diplomatic means.

Statements by Foreign Minister Fidan and Representative Address

As part of the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered a speech at the opening session held in Istanbul on 21 June 2025. He stated that during Türkiye’s chairmanship, the voice of the Islamic world would be represented and that multilateral platforms would be strengthened to achieve justice.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 21 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Fidan noted that the meeting took place amid a crisis axis encompassing Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. He stated that Israel’s policies in Palestine have generated widespread regional instability and emphasized that this situation constitutes a threat not only regionally but also globally. He condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks and characterized the situation as an “open Israeli problem.”

Fidan recalled Türkiye’s political, financial, and diplomatic support for UNRWA in opposition to Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories and affirmed the need to support a two-state solution. He stressed that OIC members must act in unity and demonstrate solidarity with Iran in response to Israel’s attacks.

Minister Fidan expressed satisfaction at the convergence of Islamic civilization’s heritage in Istanbul and affirmed that, as in the past, Istanbul continues to serve as a platform for peace and dialogue. He emphasized the importance of developing political coordination and consensus among Islamic countries based on multilateralism.

It was announced that during its chairmanship, Türkiye aims to strengthen the organization’s relations with other countries and international institutions, protect the rights of Muslim minorities, and support multilateral diplomatic initiatives. Four priority areas of work were identified in this context.

Fidan also stated that achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, releasing detainees, and ensuring the continuity of humanitarian access are among Türkiye’s top priorities. He thanked Qatar and Egypt for their diplomatic initiatives in this direction.

Special Session at Iran’s Request

As part of the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a special session was convened at the request of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The session was held on 21 June 2025 at the Lütfi Kırdar Congress Center in Istanbul, hosted by Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The session was conducted on a closed-door basis with the participation of all OIC member states.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, 22 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

During the special session, Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and subsequent U.S.-led air operations were addressed. In a press conference held during the session, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country would take all legitimate measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and security. He emphasized that these attacks violated the United Nations Charter and international law.

The U.S. military intervention was also discussed at the meeting; Iran described these actions as “urgent and unprecedented violations.” Araghchi underscored that Iran is in a defensive posture not only against Israel but also against U.S. aggression and called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure that the International Atomic Energy Agency takes action on the matter.

The possibility of a diplomatic solution was also raised during the special session, but Iran stated that direct negotiations with the United States were not feasible while attacks were ongoing. Iran’s statements on this issue were made public by international media immediately before and after the session. No joint press statement was issued at the conclusion of the meeting.

Common Position on Gaza and Palestine

During the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the ongoing attacks in the Gaza Strip and the situation of the Palestinian people were among the top agenda items. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), addressed the meeting, presented a report, and appealed to OIC member states for support to sustain essential humanitarian services for Palestinians.

Lazzarini stated that UNRWA conducts over 50,000 medical examinations daily and continues to provide access to potable water and shelter. He emphasized the agency’s financial difficulties and asserted that without additional funding, its operations cannot be sustained. Lazzarini appealed to participating states, saying, “The lives of millions are in your hands.”

51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 21 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

A plan was made during the margins of the Istanbul meeting to sign the “Agreement on the Establishment of the UNRWA Representative Office in Ankara.” The agreement aims to establish the legal framework for UNRWA to open an official representative office in Türkiye.

Türkiye reaffirmed its continued political, financial, and diplomatic support for UNRWA and characterized Israel’s 28 October 2024 decision to terminate UNRWA’s operations in occupied Palestinian territories as a clear violation of international law. Türkiye is among the countries that submitted a resolution at the UN General Assembly in support of UNRWA.

Türkiye’s voluntary contributions to UNRWA in 2023, 2024, and 2025 were recorded. In 2023, Türkiye provided a direct contribution of $10 million, an additional $1 million in emergency aid in November 2023, and $3 million in cash support through AFAD. In 2024, Türkiye contributed a total of $12 million, and a pledge of $10 million was made for 2025.

Content and Resolutions of the Istanbul Declaration

At the conclusion of the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a joint outcome document, the “Istanbul Declaration of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” was issued on 22 June 2025. The declaration contains the collective stance and recommendations of the meeting regarding crisis zones, violations of international law, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic initiatives.

51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 22 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

The declaration condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, stating that these acts constitute clear violations of the sovereignty and security rights of the affected countries. It called on the international community to adopt deterrent measures to halt and hold Israel accountable. It further emphasized the need to end Israel’s military operations targeting civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

The declaration reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause is one of the foundational reasons for the establishment of the organization and expressed support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders. It underscored the urgency of convening the UN High-Level Conference, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, at the earliest opportunity.

The declaration stated that the UN Security Council must implement Resolution 2735 to achieve the cessation of the military operation in Gaza, which has lasted over 19 months, the assumption of responsibility by the Palestinian government over all territories including Gaza, the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a lasting ceasefire. Support was expressed for advancing the Arab-Islamic Rescue and Reconstruction Plan.

The declaration condemned Israel’s practices aimed at making life unsustainable in Gaza and its attempts to alter the religious and spatial status of Jerusalem, emphasizing that Jerusalem must be preserved as the shared heritage of the three Abrahamic faiths. The international public was alerted to violations targeting the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Under the Istanbul Declaration, measures were called for at the international level to combat Islamophobia and for the development of action plans at the UN level on this issue. Additionally, the declaration included statements of solidarity regarding the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, the Kashmir issue, the situation of the Rohingya Muslims, developments in Sudan, the liberation of the Turkish Cypriot community from isolation, and political stability processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the section on political decisions, the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities was condemned; the illegality under international law of Israel’s operations against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and Iran’s right to legitimate self-defense were emphasized. A “Ministerial Contact Group” was established to address these matters.

U.S.-Israel Attacks and Emphasis on International Law

During the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities on 13 June 2025 and subsequent U.S. air operations were addressed. The Council expressed a common view that these attacks constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

In draft resolution 69/51-POL, Israel’s military operations against civil nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as assassinations targeting scientists, senior military officials, and civilians, were condemned in the strongest terms. It was stated that these acts seriously violate the prohibition on the use of force under Article 2 of the UN Charter and may be classified as crimes of aggression and war crimes.

The document also referenced Israel’s aggressive actions against other regional countries such as Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, assessing these actions as part of a destabilizing policy in the Middle East. It called on the international community to take firm and deterrent steps against the Israeli regime’s actions.

The U.S. diplomatic stance, aimed at covering up Israel’s attacks, and its direct military intervention were also addressed in the resolution texts. The U.S. air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan were recalled, and it was noted that these actions clearly contradict IAEA decisions. Resolution 487 of the UN Security Council, which prohibits Israel from such attacks, was explicitly referenced in the resolution text.

Furthermore, Iran’s right to legitimate self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter was reaffirmed due to the U.S. attacks. The urgency of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East was emphasized. A call was made for Israel to immediately accede to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and to place all its nuclear activities under IAEA inspection.

Bilateral Meetings

During the 51st Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, various bilateral engagements took place in Istanbul on 21–22 June 2025. Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate meetings with foreign ministers of numerous OIC member states.

Foreign Minister Fidan with Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi, 22 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Fidan held meetings with, among others, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Nebil Ammar, Syria’s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, and Yemen’s Foreign Minister Shayi Muhsin Zindani. Discussions covered bilateral relations, regional developments, and issues on the OIC agenda.

During the meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi, Israel’s attacks on Iran, U.S. military interventions, and their impact on regional security were assessed. Türkiye communicated its position against escalating tensions and in favor of opening space for diplomacy.

In the meeting with Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Ammar, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries were reviewed, and consensus was expressed on maintaining a common stance on the Palestinian issue. The development of joint initiatives to combat anti-Islamic actions in Africa was also discussed.

During the meeting with Syria’s Foreign Minister Mekdad, confidence-building measures in Türkiye-Syria relations and the delivery of humanitarian aid were assessed. Both countries expressed their intention to continue existing diplomatic contacts in alignment with the goal of reducing conflict in crisis zones.

In talks with Yemen’s Foreign Minister Zindani, progress on peace negotiations to end Yemen’s civil war, the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, and coordination with Gulf countries were discussed. Türkiye’s humanitarian and technical assistance activities in Yemen were reviewed.