On the sidelines of the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Turkey, as well as key regional issues of mutual concern.

At the outset, Muttaqi emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations and described Turkey as having a special and strategic role in the foreign policy of the Islamic Emirate.

He called for expanded bilateral cooperation alongside the growing level of engagement between Kabul and Ankara.

For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reaffirmed the importance of Afghanistan for Turkey and stressed the need to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors.

The meeting was held in a spirit of mutual understanding, with both parties underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and constructive collaboration in pursuit of shared interests.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, stated during the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Istanbul that Afghanistan is facing “illegitimate” sanctions imposed by Western countries.

He said the United States, by freezing the assets of Afghanistan’s central bank, has significantly hindered the country’s path toward economic development.

Muttaqi called on Islamic countries to take a proactive role in lifting the political and economic sanctions imposed on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, urging them not to spare any effort in supporting Afghanistan during this critical time.

He emphasized that the Islamic Emirate has based its foreign relations on the principles of mutual respect and balanced engagement.

Highlighting Afghanistan’s strategic position in the heart of Asia, he stated the country is ready to serve as a vital hub for transit, trade, and economic connectivity among Islamic nations.

During the same session, Muttaqi also issued a stark warning regarding ongoing hostilities in the region.

He said that continued aggression and oppression by the Israeli regime against Palestine and Iran pose a direct threat to the security of the entire region and could lead to devastating consequences.

“I urge all member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take decisive action to stop the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime against Palestine and Iran,” Muttaqi said.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), warned that continued Israeli aggression against Palestine and Iran poses a direct threat to the security of the entire region. He made these remarks during the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers’ Summit held in Istanbul.

“I call on OIC member states to stop the oppression carried out by the Israeli regime against Palestine and Iran. If this situation continues, it will directly endanger the security of all regional countries and could lead to devastating consequences,” Muttaqi said.

Emphasizing the need for a proactive approach, Muttaqi added: “This summit should not merely serve as a platform for listing challenges, but rather mark the beginning of defining practical actions, joint positions, and innovative solutions.”

He further stated that if Islamic countries operate based on strong political will, Islamic brotherhood, and coordinated cooperation, they will not only preserve the dignity of their peoples but also influence global decision-makers.