Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey participated in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Donor Conference to Finance the Strategic Plan for the Development of the City of Al-Quds Al-Sharif held on 11 June 2013 in Baku.

Speaking at the conference Foreign Minister Davutoğlu reiterating Turkey’s support to the Palestinian people said that Turkey will never leave the city of Al-Quds and the Palestinian people alone and will always continue to stand by them in their just cause.

Pointing out the need to ensure a just and lasting peace in Palestine Foreign Minister Davutoğlu emphasized the importance of the two-state solution process for the peace. He said that the OIC countries should work more for the recognition of Palestine as a fully independent state.

Saying that Turkey has spared no effort for the protection of the historical heritage in Palestine, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stressed that the TICA (The Turkish International Cooperation Agency) plans to spend 30 million dollars for the benefits of Palestine through the bilateral projects in this year and also added that Turkey is ready to contribute more if there is a need.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that Turkey sees the OIC Strategic Plan for Al-Quds as a timely initiative and stressed that if implemented fully, it will undoubtedly contribute to efforts to protect Al-Quds. He also mentioned that Turkey is ready to coordinate with the OIC Secretariat and Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR) for the realization of selected projects in education, health and housing sectors.

Address by Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, at the OIC Donor Conference in Support of the City of Al-Quds, 11 June 2013, Baku