JEDDAH — The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has decided to reinstate Syria’s membership in the organization, ending a 12-year suspension.

During the 20th extraordinary session held at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, the council assigned the OIC Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to implement the decision and submit a report at the next session.

The decision follows Syria’s formal request to regain its membership and marks a shift from the 2012 resolution that had suspended its participation. Under Article 10 of the OIC Charter, the Council of Foreign Ministers has the authority to reinstate membership.

The OIC Secretary-General has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of this resolution and providing updates at the next ministerial meeting.

Syria on Saturday welcomed the decision by the OIC to restore the country’s membership after the fall of the Bashar Assad regime.

“This decision represents a vital step toward Syria's return to the regional and international communities as a free and just state,” a Syrian Foreign Ministry statement said.

The statement reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to "the principles of the OIC, including cooperation, justice, and dignity."

The ministry expressed readiness to "work hand in hand with our brothers in the Islamic world to rebuild Syria and strengthen our region based on our shared values of justice, peace, and cooperation.”

Syria emphasized its aspirations to “build a future where the Syrian people regain their rightful place among nations, contributing to a stronger and more unified Islamic world.” — SG