APP
Jeddah: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pledged to expand Pakistan’s cooperation with Egypt and Algeria, emphasizing broader engagement across diverse fields during bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening Ties with North Africa
Dar held separate meetings with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, describing them as “meaningful interactions.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhanced connectivity and broader cooperation with the two North African nations, grounded in brotherly ties of religion and culture.
The foreign ministers also discussed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian access, a ceasefire, and lasting peace, while highlighting the importance of Muslim unity during these challenging times.
Dar’s Call for Action on Gaza
At the OIC session, Dar condemned Israel’s “annexationist and rogue mindset,” warning that plans to seize Gaza City threaten regional peace and stability. He presented seven urgent steps for the international community and Muslim nations to halt Israel’s offensive, which rights groups have already described as genocide.
Pakistan also fully endorsed a joint statement by 31 Arab-Islamic countries, along with the OIC, Arab League, and GCC secretaries general, rejecting Israeli PM Netanyahu’s remarks on “Greater Israel.”
Algeria, meanwhile, has gone further, with its UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama calling for sanctions on Israel over the Gaza City plan.
Expanding Regional Diplomacy
Dar’s meetings also covered ongoing bilateral cooperation with Egypt, including April’s health sector collaboration to eliminate Hepatitis C and discussions on Al-Azhar University establishing a campus in Pakistan.
In addition, Dar met with Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, expressing appreciation for Ankara’s leadership of the OIC session. The two reaffirmed strong Pakistan-Türkiye relations and stressed the need for urgent humanitarian aid to Palestine.
Dar also held talks with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, further strengthening Pakistan’s regional engagement.
