The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) holds potential for being a source of strength for Pakistan to bring to the front pertinent foreign policy issues. Unfortunately, due to a lack of unity and internal skirmishes, the OIC has often failed to make use of that influence. Hosting the OIC this year served as an opportunity for Pakistan, not just to build upon its own regional alliances and highlight the problem of Islamophobia that unites all countries of the OIC, but also, to smooth out the disagreements and misunderstandings that exist.
From that angle, there were certainly some successful developments. According to the information ministry, Prime Minister Khan separately met OIC Secretary-General Hissien Brahim Taha, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Iran’s Foreign Minister Dr Amir Hossein Abdollahiyan and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Sri Saifuddin Abdullah. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has also confirmed that the Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Amir Hussain and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud met.
On the surface, it does not appear to be a major development. The foreign ministries of all countries are also downplaying this—Pakistan’s Foreign Office, while acknowledging the meeting, has not given further details. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh confirmed the meeting, however, termed it as informal and brief, and said there is no progress in negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
However, the impact this can hold for Pakistan if it is to adopt a mediator role between Iran and Saudi Arabia should not be underestimated. This is the sort of role we can play if we use our diplomacy for regional peace. It is a matter that is particularly pertinent to Pakistan, being strong allies of Saudi Arabia, and neighbours to Iran, and an end to this rivalry would be beneficial for all.