The chief of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday called on member states and partners to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, urging them to avoid interfering in Afghan internal affairs as the Taliban took over the country last week.

OIC Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen made the appeal in his opening speech at an emergency meeting on Afghanistan on Sunday afternoon. 

He said he hoped all parties in Afghanistan could reach an agreement as soon as possible on the formation of an inclusive government.

According to the communique released after the meeting, the 57-member organization said it would seek to help achieve peace in Afghanistan and to facilitate evacuation operations from the country. 

The Saudi Arabia-based organization also affirmed that it stands with Afghanistan at this critical juncture. 

Recalling the severe suffering and hardship Afghanistan and its people went through due to protracted conflict and violence, the OIC stressed that efforts need to be directed towards the development and the welfare of the people.

"The meeting reaffirmed the OIC's full commitment to support the Afghan-led and owned peace process and comprehensive reconciliation to reach a comprehensive and lasting political solution and ensure the support of this process by the main neighboring countries and the international community," the communique read.

The OIC also called on the future Afghan leadership and the international community to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or haven for terrorists and not allow terrorist organizations to have a foothold there. 

(Cover: The OIC holds a special meeting to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, August 22, 2021. /OIC )