Speeches, Statements & International Documents

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MALAYSIA AT THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE D-8 COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION IN GAZA ISTANBUL, REPUBLIC OF TURKIYE 8 JUNE 2024

 

His Excellency Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye, Chair of the Extraordinary Meeting

His Excellency Ambassador Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam, Secretary-General of the D-8

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

1. At the outset, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Chair and host, the Government of the Republic of Turkiye, for convening this important Meeting, and the warm hospitality accorded to me and my delegation.

2. Also, our congratulations to the Arab Republic of Egypt, for assuming the Chairmanship of the D-8 Organisation, for the next three years. We are confident that the D-8 will continue to progress under Egypt’s leadership.

3. I would also like, to heartily congratulate my dear friend, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on Pakistan’s recent appointment, to a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Malaysia wishes Pakistan all the best for its two-year term at the UNSC beginning next year.

Mr. Chairman,

4. Before I proceed further, I would like to reflect on the tragedy that took place three weeks ago on 19 May 2024, which claimed the lives of the late President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, and the Foreign Minister, His Excellency Hossein Amir Abdollahian, along with other officials.

5. Our profound condolences to the families of the deceased, and the Government and people of Iran. May Allah SWT shower their souls in peace and place them among the righteous.

Mr. Chairman,

6. It has been two-hundred-and-forty-five days since we were forced to witness, in real-time, the slaughter of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip – by all accounts, a clear case of genocide that has so far gone unchecked.

7. It is disconcerting and unsettling, to know that eight months on, the situation in Palestine has not shown any signs of abating. The fundamental rights of the Palestinians, which include the right to life, and the right to self-determination, continue to be ignored and violated.

8. Despite the additional provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on 24 May 2024, which indeed managed to generate a sense of hope around the world, Israel’s complete disregard of the ruling makes us ponder, does Israel live in the same reality as the rest of the world? Or are there double standards at play? Are international laws only applicable to some, and not to others?

9. We have seen, again and again, that Israel has a complete disregard, for the laws by which we must all abide. This must end.

10. We must persist until a permanent ceasefire is realised, and the cycle of atrocities is brought to a halt. Then, and only then, can we see a glimpse of hope on rebuilding Gaza.

Mr Chairman,

11. The D-8 is built upon the understanding, that we are empowered to make collective efforts, to uplift the social and economic conditions of Member States, alleviate poverty, and strengthen economic, social, technical and scientific ties within our Community.

12. In staying true to this core objective, we would be remiss if our collective strength is not afforded to the Palestinians, who are in dire situations.

13. We must not lose sight of their safety. Given the current state of Gaza, we must do everything we can, to assist the Palestinians to rebuild – to provide dignity, freedom and security.

14. Therefore, we must support all efforts that are geared, towards ensuring the protection and promotion, of Palestinians’ fundamental human rights, the rights to territorial integrity, territorial unity, permanent sovereignty over their natural wealth and resources, and freedom to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

15. In doing so, it would be a miscalculation if the D-8, as a group, does not leverage its influence, to convince all Member States of the United Nations, to accept Palestine as a Full Member of the UN. We have a duty, and a role to play. No longer can we keep silent, and expect others to speak on our behalf.

16. The creation of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only way forward.

Mr. Chairman,

17. As an economic grouping of developing Muslim countries, I call upon the D-8 Members States, to pursue the following priorities, in our response to the plight of the Palestinian people.

17.1. First, to collectively support the call for a permanent and effective ceasefire, including the three-phase proposal, recently announced by the United States. It is a step in the right direction. However, it seems that the proposal is dependent on Israel’s demand. Once again, Israel is given a free pass, of what it wants, without negotiations;

17.2. Second, not to render aid or assistance to Israel including any economic dealings that contribute to the funding of its military, and its illegal occupation of the Palestinian land;

17.3. Third, to increase our humanitarian assistance, and ensure safe and unimpeded access to delivering aid. While we acknowledge the current challenges of accessing Gaza through land and sea, the mobilisation of humanitarian assistance, must be worked on closely with its neighbouring countries, and international organisations. In this regard, Malaysia looks forward to the High-Level Conference – A Call to Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza, to be held in Jordan, on 11 June 2024; and

17.4. Lastly, to establish and formalise a collaboration, between the D-8 and the State of Palestine, with a view to uplift the livelihood, and socio-economic development of the Palestinians, including the reconstruction of the State, in line with Article 19 of the D-8 Charter. This could be done with the agreement by the Palestinian side.

Excellencies,

18. Realistically, while efforts for economic cooperation and reconstruction are present, its full potential can only be realised, once Palestine is fully recognised as a State.

19. Despite the growing number of states recognising the State of Palestine, there is still a need, for the D-8 Member States to galvanise its influence, in encouraging countries that have yet to do so, to recognise Palestine, as a matter of urgency and humanity.

Mr. Chairman,

20. Let me conclude, by reiterating Malaysia’s unwavering support, and solidarity with the Palestinians. We believe that the D-8 has an important role to play, to contribute and provide solutions, to the on-going violence against Palestine.

21. We must remember, that the plight of Palestine is more than just a policy position; it is a reflection of our collective conscience, a measure of our humanity. It is a symbol of the injustices and failures of the international order. And we must do all in our power to rectify these wrongs.

22. We must continue, Mr Chairman, working tirelessly with the larger international community, until a permanent and effective ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.

Mr Chairman,

23. Let our dreams of a free Palestine live beyond today, and beyond the words that we say.

I thank you.