Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding Sudan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence during a speech on Monday. He condemned the “massacres” in the Sudanese city of El Fasher, asserting that Turkiye cannot remain silent in the face of such atrocities.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Erdogan’s remarks were made at the opening of the 41st meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC). The event saw the participation of ministers of economy, trade, and finance from member states, alongside representatives of Islamic and international institutions.
Erdogan passionately stated, “No person with a beating heart can accept the massacres committed against civilians in El Fasher, and we cannot remain silent.” He emphasized the importance of standing by the Sudanese people during their challenging times and continuing to provide humanitarian aid and support for development efforts.
President Erdogan expressed confidence that member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation would collectively work to restore peace, tranquility, and security in Sudan.
On the Palestinian issue, Erdogan asserted that while Hamas is adhering to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, the Israeli occupation continues its lethal activities in both Gaza and the West Bank. He highlighted that over 200 innocent people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began and criticized ongoing occupation and attacks in the West Bank.
Erdogan also declared that Israeli actions to annex the West Bank, alter the status of Jerusalem, or undermine the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque should not be tolerated. In support of Jerusalem, he announced the addition of eight new projects to the “COMCEC Jerusalem Program,” complementing the twenty projects already implemented.
Regarding Syria, President Erdogan unveiled a new support initiative under COMCEC, noting that Turkiye’s efforts are gradually lifting sanctions that have impeded Syria’s economic development.
The 41st COMCEC meeting is set to explore strategies for enhancing economic and commercial integration among Islamic countries, focusing on investment, tourism, sustainable development, and Islamic finance. Attendees will also discuss the economic challenges facing the Islamic world amidst regional and global crises, with particular attention to development in Palestine and support for Gaza.