Istanbul:Wars initiated by Israeli actions are significantly impacting global energy prices and national economies, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz stated at a recent meeting. Speaking at the 42nd Ministerial Meeting of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, Yilmaz highlighted the economic pressures resulting from these conflicts.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Yilmaz emphasized the necessity of diversifying energy sources and routes to enhance regional cooperation and ensure energy security. He underlined the critical role of COMCEC in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which consists of 57 member countries with a combined population of over 2.1 billion and a GDP nearing $10 trillion.

Yilmaz expressed his concern over the ongoing Israeli occupation in Palestine, describing it as a threat to regional stability and a cause of significant suffering for the Palestinian people. He called for concrete measures to reconstruct Gaza and halt the genocide in the occupied territories, stressing the importance of sustained international efforts regardless of political changes in Israel.

The Turkish Vice President also touched on other geopolitical issues, including tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and hostilities in Yemen and the Caucasus. He reiterated Turkey's support for regional stability and peace, noting ongoing projects under the COMCEC Syria Program and the importance of dialogue for resolving conflicts.

Yilmaz concluded with a call for stronger trade cooperation among Islamic countries and advocated for enhanced support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the OIC. He also urged countries to adopt climate action measures and participate actively in upcoming international summits, including COP31.