The Saudi delegation concluded today, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, its participation in the 41st Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which was chaired by H.E. Dr. Saad Al-Kassabi, on behalf of H.E. Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi, with the participation of Acting Governor of GAFT, Mr. Mohammed Al-Abduljabbar. The meetings were held from November 3 to 4, 2025, in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye.

The Ministerial Session discussed “Improving Export Strategies in OIC Member Countries,” which represents a strategic step aimed at enhancing joint efforts and achieving economic integration among member states, contributing to sustainable development and strengthening intra-OIC trade.

During the session, participants reviewed the Report on the Implementation of the COMCEC Strategy, and the latest achievements of the relevant Islamic institutions. The session also discussed the OIC Programme of Action, and the progress achieved in various cooperation areas, and presented the outcomes of the COMCEC working groups related to economic and commercial cooperation.

Saudi Arabia’s participation stems from its keenness to promote and strengthen intra-OIC trade and to advance the Trade Preferential System among the OIC Member States TPS-OIC, which is one of the key initiatives under COMCEC. It also reflects KSA’s efforts to share best international practices in trade with member states and to safeguard its interests within the framework of the Organization.

KSA also expressed its appreciation to the Committee and the member states for their warm welcome and support for Saudi Arabia’s proposal to host the 15th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC15) in 2028, which reflects KSA’s prominent standing and leadership across the Islamic world and on the global stage, as well as its proven success in hosting major international events.

During the Ministerial Working Breakfast on the Syrian Arab Republic, held on the sidelines of the 41st Session of COMCEC, H.E. Dr. Al-Kassabi stated,“The participation of our brotherly Syria today is a blessed step that reflects the spirit of Islamic solidarity and demonstrates the commitment of our member states to strengthening cooperation and integration in various economic, trade, and development fields.”

He further stressed that KSA remains a key partner and supporter of all efforts aimed at achieving recovery and prosperity in the Syrian Arab Republic, noting that the deep-rooted fraternal and historical ties form the foundation for all initiatives supporting the political solution and economic development for reconstruction and the recovery and growth of the Syrian economy, through promoting investments in priority sectors and strengthening trade relations between the two brotherly countries.

On the sidelines of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Kassabi, met with H.E. Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, and H.E. , Minister of Commerce of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Mr. Jam Kamal Khan.

The COMCEC, which convenes annually, is mandated to follow up on the implementation of the OIC’s economic and commercial resolutions and to address challenges facing the Islamic Ummah. The Committee works to enhance joint cooperation among its 57 member states and 5 observer countries representing four continents around the world.