Minister of Foreign Affairs addresses OIC Summit Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov led Kazakhstan’s delegation at the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that took place in the holy city of Makkah Al Mukarramah (Mecca) on August 14-15. Heads of State and Government and Foreign Ministers from 57 member states participated in the meeting. Addressing the Summit, the Minister highlighted Kazakhstan’s approach to the current issues on the OIC’s agenda as it enters the final phase of its chairmanship of the Organization. In line with President Nazarbayev’s view of the future of the Islamic World, Kazakhstan is committed to its modernization on the basis of regional stability, gradual political renewal and development of its economic and other potential. The Minister raised several issues, including the OIC’s cooperation with Central Asian countries, support for Palestine and Afghanistan, countering poverty and developing a system of food security. He also called on OIC countries to support Kazakhstan’s bid to host the EXPO-2017 international exhibition. On August 13, Mr Kazykhanov addressed the Summit meeting of OIC Foreign Ministers. He spoke about the escalating conflict in Syria and the threat to regional stability. Recognizing the worsening humanitarian situation and the catastrophic reality of civil war, he urged the OIC to create an atmosphere conducive to a full cessation of all forms of violence and the beginning of a transitional process based on dialogue and broad participation of the Syrian people. Kazakhstan remains firmly committed to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of OIC Member States. Any decision on the maintenance of international peace and security is the primary responsibility of the UN Security Council. Kazakhstan believes that a radical measure such as the suspension of OIC membership should only be taken very carefully and Mr Kazykhanov urged the OIC to demonstrate solidarity with Syria in its time of need. The Chairmanship of Kazakhstan has set as an overriding priority the economic, social and political modernization of the OIC. The setting up of the OIC Human Rights Commission was a major milestone. Mr Kazykhanov stressed the need to develop the conflict prevention and mediation capacity of the Organization, citing Kazakhstan’s support of Palestine’s claim to establish a sovereign and independent state. Applauding the success of recent parliamentary and presidential elections held in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, the Minister pledged ongoing support to other countries in such endeavors, just as Kazakhstan offered practical help to the success of electoral processes in Tunisia and Algeria by sending national observers to monitor parliamentary elections. In the spirit of the OIC Charter which stipulates the need to assist Muslim minorities and communities outside the Member States, Mr Kazykhanov expressed the grave concern of Kazakhstan in relation to reports of violence against Rohingya Muslim minorities in Arakan province and other parts of Myanmar. Kazakhstan supports the setting up of a joint fact-finding committee and contact group and welcomes the positive reaction of the Myanmar authorities to the appeals of the OIC and the international community.
Participants in the 4th Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit initiated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia, on 14-15 August
Mr Kazykhanov next turned his attention to Africa, reiterating OIC endorsement of the territorial integrity of Sudan and calling for the re-establishment of the constitutional order, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Mali. He also called for support of the proposal put forward by the President of Kazakhstan, to devise a food security system which would be on standby to help those African states which still face major humanitarian challenges. Mr Kazykhanov went on to reiterate Kazakhstan’s commitment to the inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue outlined at the Astana OIC meeting. In his closing remarks, the Minister pointed out that the spirit of renewal is demonstrated in the growing dynamism of the OIC: Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship has seen five meetings of the Executive Committee and plans are well underway to open six regional offices, including one in Astana. Following Kazakhstan’s promotion of more interaction with the European Union, the OSCE and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Mr Kazykhanov reiterated Kazakhstan’s proposal that the OIC participate in G20 Summit meetings, in order to further enhance the international visibility of the OIC. Finally, Mr Kazykhanov emphasized that Kazakhstan considers its Chairmanship to be a part of the ongoing process of OIC reform as envisaged in the Ten-Year Program of Action. Kazakhstan is firmly committed to supporting the OIC in adapting to change and moving forward on the path to renewal. Back to Contents
ASTANA CALLING / ISSUE 266 / 2