Speech by the 11th President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Abdullah Gül, in Kuala Lumpur on the occasion of the 40th anniversary events of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (September 29, 2025)

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a priviledge to be here in your company. I am grateful to His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah for his initiative to host these events on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. Thank you for inviting us and for your hospitality.

Malaysia is a country that is close to my heart. I made visits in the 80s and 90s, first as an economist, and then as a politician. Lastly in 2003, I came to Malaysia as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Following a gap of more than twenty years, returning to the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur is even more impressive.

This city is a great example of what our shared traditional values can achieve when supported by a modern economic vision and a drive for global integration.

I would like to shortly contribute to today’s discussion by making two main points.

First, it remains of essential importance that Muslim countries continue deepening cooperation on economic activities, investments, trade and development.

The Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation running under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is an enabling tool. As Turkish President, I chaired this committee for seven years and witness its potential.

The COMCEC can serve as a basis for improving economic cooperation within the Islamic world. We need to designate concrete goals and act. Much has been accomplished, but more needs to be done.

An example that comes to the mind is the lowering of customs duties between Muslim countries. This would boost trade and have a positive effect on the spirit of cooperation. It would also create a real point of convergence that goes beyond rhetoric within the Islamic world.

My second point is regarding Islamic finance and banking practices.

These methods are meaningful in presenting alternatives to conventional banking practices. However, Islamic banking needs to be able to operate in a competitive, realist and integrated way within the modern financial system. Central banks, researchers, scholars and practitioners need to develop it deeper. Otherwise, Islamic banking could remain a branding, without meaningful impact.

The Islamic Development Bank is a good example of success. It supports the development of its members using different financial techniques. Additionally, it contributes to theoretical works on the principles of islamic banking.

I must also note the highly valuable contributions in this sector of the Malaysian finance institutions such as the Central Bank and the Securities Commission. In fact, Malaysia’s leadership in giving life to Islamic banking is much appreciated. I hope that these efforts will continue and become a growing international trend.

While thinking about economic development of Muslim countries, we must not forget the basics. Strong institutions and clear rules for all are what make democracies growing and resilient economies. Good governance, the rule of law, transparency and accountability are required. These are essential for strong economic policies and results.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cannot conclude my words without mentioning the humanitarian tragedy that still unfolds in Palestine. Despite all the international efforts, Israel’s genocide has not stopped.

Israel occupied the Palestinian lands, massacred its people, and expanded the illegal settlements. These settlements are a conscious policy to make the occupation permanent and irreversible.

Let me summarise what is happening in Palestine in one word: this is an invasion.

The world is witnessing complete destruction there. Israel’s aggression is without limits or respect for any kind of international or humanitarian law.

The Muslim world must further unite in leading the way for a meaningful global reaction. We need to unite and make a bold move, like King Faisal of Saudi Arabia did in 1973. The only way to stop the Palestinian tragedy is for the Muslim countries to create a bold agenda and show the world that they are ready to act. Only then, will those who still support Israel change their course of action.

Finally, let me emphasise the importance of the OCIS. This year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the centre. In July we convened in the United Kingdom with the participation of His Majesty King Charles. Now we meet in Malaysia as the guests of His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah. The centre’s forty years of success is no small achievement, especially when thinking about the present period of global turmoil.

Today, the voices of radical thoughts on all sides of the spectrum are becoming louder. It has an ever growing role to play in presenting Islam to the world and to the West in its real and best form. We must continue breaking prejudices.

Keep in mind that the centre might not have come to life in Oxford in today’s conjecture. We remain grateful to those who had the foresight to found it forty years ago. Our duty now is to increase its reach and deepen its work.

Together, we must aim for brighter futures, while studying the past and shaping the present.

Thank you.