In particular, it was proposed to create a dialogue platform for a group of the top 10 Muslim economies, to develop an interactive strategy for the economic development of the OIC member states, a mutual food assistance system in the form of a FAO-type regional fund, including the possibility of creating a food pool in interested countries.
The leader of Kazakhstan also proposed to develop and adopt a joint action plan on investment and technological cooperation in the energy sector within the framework of the OIC, create an International Innovation Center, and create support systems for small and medium-sized businesses.
President N. Nazarbayev also said that Kazakhstan had put forward its candidacy for hosting the EXPO2017 World Exhibition on the topic “Energy of the Future” and expressed hope that OIC Member States would support this initiative. The participants in the meeting reached a consensus that the Muslim world is on the verge of a new era of development.
The dramatic events taking place in North Africa and the Middle East are a clear manifestation of the need for fundamental, social and economic reforms, as well as modernization. The agenda of the session of the Council of Foreign Ministers was very extensive.
The Political Committee addressed issues related to Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict, other events in various regions of the Muslim world, as well as assistance for the socio-economic rehabilitation of Afghanistan, opportunities for expanded cooperation with other regional organizations, disarmament issues, the fight against terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, UN reform.
The establishment of an independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights is one of the most important tangible decisions. Member States expressed their willingness to further explore the Organization’s potential in strengthening international security, peace and conflict resolution.
During the meeting, participants adopted relevant regulations regarding observer countries in the Organization. At economic sessions, attention was paid to such aspects as the expansion of trade and economic relations between member states, the development of agricultural potential, and the expansion of cooperation in the transport and financial sector. The issues of further development of cooperation in the fields of science and technology, healthcare, environmental protection and humanitarian assistance were studied.
The Action Plan of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Central Asia was adopted. Member states also decided to hold Summits of Heads of State once every two years, and not in three, as it was before.
As a result of the session, the Astana Declaration was adopted, which reflects the most significant issues facing the Ummah.
In general, according to the participants, this was a historic session, which took place at a difficult and quite crucial moment in the history of the Islamic world. They were also unanimous in that it was the special and life-giving Spirit of Astana, which had previously helped Kazakhstan to successfully host the OSCE Summit in 2010, helped create an atmosphere conducive to change and renewal and strengthened consensus among OIC member states.
It can be stated that a new stage in the history of the Organization began with Astana - the member states decided on a new name and a new logo for the Organization. By changing the name to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the participants in the session showed their willingness to change, adapt and update.
According to the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the UAE
