Oslo, January 22, 2025 – A delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat participated in the third meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in Oslo, Norway. The event, which brought together representatives from over 80 countries and international organizations, was an important step toward advancing global support for the Palestinian cause. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, and numerous other dignitaries gathered to discuss strategies for achieving a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine based on the two-state solution framework.
The OIC delegation was led by Ambassador Samir Bakr, the Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs, who reaffirmed the organization's steadfast commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at ending the ongoing Israeli aggression, occupation, and settlement activities in Palestine. Ambassador Bakr underscored that the OIC remains resolute in its efforts to support the Palestinian people, particularly in their fight to preserve their land and protect their holy sites from continued Israeli expansion.
During the meeting, Ambassador Bakr called for continued and increased political, financial, and legal support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He stressed that the UN agency plays a critical role in delivering essential services to Palestinian refugees, especially those living under harsh conditions in the Gaza Strip. The agency's continued operation, Bakr emphasized, is vital to alleviating the humanitarian suffering of Palestinian refugees and providing them with the necessary support to endure the challenges they face daily.
Bakr also highlighted the importance of the Global Alliance's role in mobilizing global support for the Palestinian cause. He expressed optimism that the alliance's efforts to enhance collaboration among member states and international organizations would help implement a broad range of political, economic, legal, and humanitarian measures. These efforts are intended to contribute to the realization of the two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine. Bakr reiterated that this vision must ensure Palestinian sovereignty over all territories occupied since 1967, including the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, and Al-Quds (East Jerusalem), which holds profound significance for Palestinians as both a political and religious center.
The meeting underscored the need for a unified and sustained international approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The OIC’s participation further reinforces its long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause and its role as a key player in advocating for a fair and lasting resolution to the conflict. As the discussions unfolded in Oslo, it became clear that the global community’s efforts to implement the two-state solution are more crucial than ever, requiring increased cooperation, resources, and dedication to ending the prolonged occupation and bringing peace and stability to the region.
The OIC's active engagement in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution highlights the organization's continued support for the Palestinian people and its determination to work alongside international partners to ensure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. As global leaders and stakeholders move forward with these discussions, the OIC’s contributions are integral to advancing the cause of Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty.