Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu paid a visit to Djibouti to participate in the 39th Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on 15 November 2012.

Speaking at the meeting Foreign Minister Davutoğlu shared Turkey’s opinion about intolerance, xenophobia and Islamophobia and said that the alarming increase in the number of such acts had serious implications for international peace and security. In this regard, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stressed “We condemn all sorts of incitement to hatred and religious discrimination against Muslims and people of other faiths.”

In this vein, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu commented on the situation of the Muslim Turkish Minority in Western Thrace and the Muslim Turkish community in Bulgaria. “For us, the well-being of the Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC member countries is of paramount importance” emphasized Foreign Minister Davutoğlu. He also added that Turkey wished to see these communities to live in peace and prosperity, enjoying all basic rights guaranteed by national legislation and international agreements.

“It is now the high time that all brotherly OIC Member States give a clear message to the international community that the restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriots cannot be sustained forever and that the Turkish Cypriots will not be let to suffer despite their constructive attitude” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu while sharing Turkey’s views concerning Cyprus issue.

Moreover, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that the international community was faced with three important challenges. “The first one is a solidarity test, which requires a unified and firm stance for all of us in support of the Palestinian cause.” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu. He also stressed that the international community and the UN should take principled action against this aggression and stop it immediately. Moreover “An internationally recognized State of Palestine at the UN, voted as ‘non-member observer state’ can serve as a ‘game changer” he added underlining that Turkey would continue to stand by Palestinian people.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “The second test is one of our conscience in the case of Syria”. He also stated that Turkey wholeheartedly welcomed this important achievement and once again reiterated its recognition of the Syrian National Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu added “The international community should speak with one voice against the actions of the Syrian regime”.

Finally, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu explained that the third test related to the challenge of development and reconstruction. “Turkey as a strategic partner of the African continent will continue to contribute to the development efforts of the African countries.”, he said.

As part of his contacts in Djibouti, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu was recieved by President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh and held bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of Djibouti, Iran, Kuwait, Kosovo, Congo, Mali and Pakistan.

Statement by Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the 39th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, 15 November 2012, Djibouti