Azerbaijani parliament speaker calls for greater unity among Muslim nations At OIC conference

Speaker of Azerbaijan's parliament Sahiba Gafarova called for stronger unity and cooperation among Muslim-majority countries on June 24, warning that the Islamic world continues to face significant political, economic, and security challenges.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 20th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baku, Gafarova said Azerbaijan remains fully committed to advancing the goals of the parliamentary body, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

She thanked OIC member states for their support of Azerbaijan, saying they had consistently demonstrated solidarity with the country during and after the period of occupation.

Gafarova said that despite the Islamic world's rich cultural heritage and substantial natural and human resources, many member states continue to grapple with poverty, socioeconomic inequality, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, terrorism, and extremism.

According to the speaker, these challenges are hindering sustainable development across the Muslim world and underscore the need for closer cooperation among OIC countries.

“To overcome these challenges and fully realise its potential, the Islamic world needs unity and solidarity based on Islamic values such as peace, tolerance, harmony, and justice,” she said.

Gafarova also stressed that, amid growing global uncertainties, it is increasingly important for Muslim nations to work together, support one another, and pursue shared objectives through collective action and dialogue.

By Sabina Mammadli