"We must not give up on diplomacy. However, we must also see our role in strengthening multilateralism and international law. The OIC must be more assertive," Sugiono stated at the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul on Saturday (June 21).
He considered the ongoing horror in Palestine due to Israeli military aggression as evidence of "the failure of the multilateral system in guaranteeing justice".
Therefore, the OIC must continue to fight for a more just and inclusive world order and support efforts for multilateral reform, Sugiono said.
Specifically for Palestine, he encouraged the OIC to strengthen diplomatic and political efforts to end the war in Gaza and spur international efforts to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.
Meanwhile, in the economic aspect, Sugiono called for OIC member states to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, science and innovation as well as food security through South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC).
Such economic cooperation is important as currently, the OIC represents 25 percent of the world's population but only contributes less than 10 percent of global GDP, he said.
In fact, each OIC member country has various potentials in terms of mineral resources, technological sophistication and expertise as well as financial capital.
"If we optimize this potential, we will create a collective strength that will further strengthen our strategic position as the Islamic world,” Sugiono noted.
He further emphasized Indonesia's commitment to remain open to exploring economic cooperation with all countries, especially OIC member states, in achieving these common goals.
"Strengthening collaboration and solidarity is non-negotiable in our efforts to create peace and shared prosperity. We must maintain the relevance of the OIC in a changing world by ending all conflicts and resolving disputes between us," he concluded.
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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Arie Novarina
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