(AseanAll)  — ‘"OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) countries must set an example in supporting the recognition of the State of Palestine," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in her speech at the Annual OIC Ministerial Coordination Meeting, at UN Headquarters, New York, 27 September 2024.

Reaffirming the message that was also conveyed to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries, Retno also encouraged OIC countries to use their influence to advance two main things, namely increasing the number of countries that recognise Palestine, and encouraging the effective implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/24, which demands Israel to end its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

"If implemented, Resolution ES-10/24 will be another step forward in realising the State of Palestine," Retno explained. "This resolution will guide countries in encouraging the fulfilment of Palestinian rights, therefore, OIC countries must provide political support to the UN Secretary General to implement, report, and monitor the implementation of the resolution," Retno continued.

Retno concluded her speech by saying that the OIC is a big family and that the future of the OIC is determined by the OIC itself. For this reason, Retno invited OIC countries to help each other, so that no OIC country is left behind.

"The OIC is a big family, our future is in our own hands, therefore we must help each other so that no OIC country is left behind," she said.

The OIC was formed in 1969 with the aim of enhancing Islamic solidarity among member states, supporting international peace and security, protecting Islamic holy sites, and assisting the struggle for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine. The OIC consists of 57 Islamic or Muslim-majority countries.