ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Baghdad on Saturday to attend a two-day meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), bringing together diplomats from Muslim-majority countries to discuss regional developments and other pressing issues.
Iraq's foreign ministry announced the opening of the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on Saturday, following the arrival of participating delegations in the Iraqi capital.
The October 17-18 gathering brings together representatives from 55 member and observer countries, according to the ministry.
Foreign ministers are expected to discuss developments across the Middle East and the wider Muslim world, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, counterterrorism and efforts to combat Islamophobia. The gathering also provides an opportunity for bilateral talks between participating officials.
Araghchi's visit comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with Baghdad seeking to maintain diplomatic relations with both Tehran and Washington.
Iraq shares a long border with Iran and maintains close political, economic and religious ties with its eastern neighbor, while also maintaining a strategic partnership with the United States.
Founded in 1969, the OIC is the world's second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with 57 member states. Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the organization seeks to promote cooperation among Muslim countries and has long advocated for Palestinian rights.
