Palestine News Agency (WAFA)                   March 11, 2025

   The opening ceremony was attended by Minister Ahmad Assaf, the General Supervisor of Official Media in Palestine; OIC Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha; Acting Chairman of the OIC News Agencies Federation Executive Council, Ali Al-Zaid; Director-General of the OIC News Agencies Federation, Mohammad Al-Yami; and Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, Hadi Shibli.

   Also present were Consul General of Palestine in Jeddah, Mahmoud Al-Asadi; OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs, Samir Bakr; and heads of news agencies from OIC member states, who joined the event virtually via Zoom.

   Minister Assaf expressed his honor in representing the State of Palestine at the event, calling it a momentous and historic occasion. He emphasized the significance of the opening as a powerful message of support for the Palestinian people and their just cause.

   «This move reaffirms the Palestinian people’s right to their homeland and the support of the OIC for this right,» Assaf stated. «It is a step towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.»

   He further stressed the importance of the Palestinian official media, with WAFA playing a central role, in receiving the ongoing support and recognition of the OIC. Assaf also acknowledged the OIC’s efforts in defending both the Islamic and Christian holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, and assisting the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination, freedom, and independence.

   Meanwhile, Samir Bakr, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al-Quds Affairs, conveyed the greetings of the OIC Secretary-General and expressed his enthusiasm about the opening. Bakr underscored the critical timing of the establishment of the OIC News Agencies Federation office in Palestine.

   «This is a vital step, particularly at a time when it is crucial for everyone to enhance cooperation and joint efforts in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and ensuring their voice is heard around the world,» he stated.