Erdoğan calls on two billion Muslims to unite and shape their own future

On June 21, 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a strong message at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Istanbul, declaring that Türkiye will not permit the establishment of a “new Sykes-Picot order” in the region — a reference to arbitrary borders drawn through conflict and bloodshed.

Speaking at the gathering, Erdoğan emphasised the urgent need for the Islamic world to unite beyond its internal differences to confront common challenges, particularly regarding Israel’s actions in the Middle East, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

“When it comes to our common affairs and common interests, it is our duty to put aside our differences and unite,” he said. He called on the Muslim-majority countries to show greater solidarity to halt what he described as “Israel’s banditry” in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, in addition to Palestine.

Highlighting the significance of the Islamic world’s demographic weight, Erdoğan said, “It is extremely important that the Islamic world, with a population of 2 billion, becomes an independent pole. We are on the verge of a period when the Islamic world will play a much greater role.” Yet, he cautioned that internal conflicts must first be addressed: “If we do not take responsibility for our own problems with common sense and will, we will serve the interests of others.”

President Erdoğan also expressed his approval of Syria’s recent reintegration into the OIC, describing it as a positive step towards Syria’s return to the international community. He stressed that ensuring Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity is essential for achieving lasting stability in the region. “The support of the entire Islamic world is required” to preserve Syria’s sovereignty and foster peace, he concluded.

Furthermore, Erdoğan underlined the necessity of continuing efforts to impose coercive measures on Israel based on international law and the United Nations Charter, signalling Türkiye’s commitment to holding Israel accountable on the global stage.

By Tamilla Hasanova