Iranian delegation walks out as Herzog speaks at CICA summit in Baku

The summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku drew attention for the limited attendance of heads of state and the walkout by multiple delegations during the speech of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. According to a report by Anadolu Agency, only seven presidents and one monarch, the Emir of Qatar, attended the summit of the 28-member organization. The low turnout of national leaders was seen as reducing the political significance of the gathering. Despite the limited participation, Israel sent Herzog to Baku, reportedly hoping to break out of its international isolation.

During Herzog's address, delegations from 13 of the 28 member states left the hall in protest against Israel's war crimes against the people of Gaza. The Iranian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, was among the first to exit, joining 12 other delegations. The walkout was described as a symbolic diplomatic gesture that undermines the standing of the targeted nation and deepens its isolation, particularly within Asia. On his return journey to Tel Aviv, Herzog traveled covertly on a commercial flight operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), reportedly traversing Turkish airspace without authorization for his official aircraft.

As a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Azerbaijan's decision to invite Herzog to the CICA summit drew objections from various nations, most notably Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, all close allies of Baku. The objections were directed at Azerbaijan's action, which is seen as potentially diminishing the country's international legitimacy and standing within the Islamic world. Opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and the humanitarian situation in Palestine remains a primary focal point for protest among Islamic nations.

During the summit, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister called for Israel's expulsion from CICA. The request was described as timely and necessary, with the potential to transform the issue into a demand shared across Asia and the globe. CICA was established in 1992 to strengthen peace, security, stability, and cooperation within Asia. The report argued that Israel is the foremost source of insecurity and instability in Asia, and that the time has come for its removal from the CICA framework. While achieving this may present challenges, it should be placed on the agenda of the foreign ministries of Islamic countries and pursued at appropriate junctures, according to Mehr News.