LOC16:52
13:52 GMT
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the opening of the 41st meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed Monday the necessity of protecting Sudan's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, stressing that his country cannot remain silent regarding "massacres" in the Sudanese city of El Fasher.
This came in a speech delivered by President Erdogan during the opening of the 41st meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), with the participation of ministers of economy, trade, and finance from member states, as well as representatives of Islamic and international institutions and organizations.
Erdogan said, "No person with a beating heart can accept the massacres committed against civilians in El Fasher, and we cannot remain silent", adding that it is important to stand by the Sudanese people in their difficult times and to continue humanitarian aid and support for development efforts there.
He expressed confidence that all member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will do their utmost to ensure that Sudan once again enjoys an atmosphere of peace, tranquility, and security.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Erdogan affirmed that Hamas movement is committed to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, while Israeli occupation, in contrast, continues its killings in both Gaza and the West Bank.
He pointed out that Israeli occupation has killed "more than 200 innocent people" in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect, in addition to continuing its occupation and attacks in the West Bank.
He stressed that Israeli occupation cannot be allowed to annex the West Bank, change the status of Jerusalem, or undermine the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In this context, the Turkish president announced that eight additional projects will be added this year to the twenty projects already implemented under the "COMCEC Jerusalem Program."
On Syria, Erdogan revealed the launch of a special support program for Syria under the umbrella of COMCEC, adding that thanks to Turkiye's efforts and contributions, the sanctions that significantly hinder economic development in Syria are being gradually lifted.
The 41st COMCEC meeting is scheduled to discuss ways to enhance economic and commercial integration among Islamic countries and to expand areas of cooperation in the sectors of investment, tourism, sustainable development, and Islamic finance.
Participants will also address the current economic challenges facing the Islamic world in light of regional and global crises, with a focus on the issue of development in Palestine and ways to support Gaza in the coming phase. (end)
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