Syria’s OIC membership has been re-activated after 13 years, following a Turkish initiative. The move signals a shift in Syria’s foreign policy post-Assad, aiming to restore ties with Arab nations. Turkish support highlights the alliance’s role in Syria’s reconstruction.
On Friday, Syria’s long-frozen membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was restored after nearly 13 years. This re-activation occurred during a meeting of the OIC in Jeddah, as confirmed by a Turkish diplomatic source. Syria’s membership had been suspended since 2012 due to the ongoing civil war that began when Syrian rebels, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overthrew Bashar al-Assad after a protracted conflict lasting 11 years.
The re-activation initiative, proposed by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, received unanimous support from the foreign ministers of the 57-member OIC. The members had originally decided to freeze Syria’s participation in August 2012, amid the escalating violence in the country. Following the vote, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani was invited to take Syria’s seat at the meeting, where he was greeted with applause from the other members.
Turkey has been a pivotal ally for Syrian rebels, having supported efforts to remove Assad from power for several years. Now, as a close ally of Syria’s new Islamist government, Turkey has committed to assist in the country’s reconstruction and provide military training to its forces. In a further sign of re-establishment of relationships, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend an Arab League summit in Cairo, signaling a potential thaw in relations with the Arab community following Assad’s ousting.
Syria’s OIC membership has been reinstated, ending a hiatus of nearly thirteen years, catalyzed by a Turkish initiative. This move indicates a shift in Syria’s foreign policy under its new leadership, seeking to re-engage with both Arab and international partners. The backing from Turkey as a close ally underlines a strategic alliance aimed at rebuilding Syria post-civil war while fostering collaboration within the broader Islamic community.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
