Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the Developing-8 (D-8) summit is focused on initiatives designed to boost investment, empower youth, and support small-scale enterprises. Speaking at the opening of the summit in Cairo, Pezeshkian stressed the need for member states to adapt to global advancements across various sectors.
He also highlighted Egypt’s significance as a nation with abundant resources, expressing confidence that the organisation would achieve its goals under the leadership of the Egyptian president. Pezeshkian further noted Egypt’s prominent position as a country with a rich history. Additionally, he called for increased cooperation among D-8 nations to benefit all member populations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has highlighted the necessity of unity among Islamic nations, urging collective action to counter the aggressions of the Israeli regime.
“Islamic countries must unite and stand against the aggression of the Zionist regime,” Pezeshkian said while addressing the D-8 group of developing nations’ summit in Cairo on Thursday.
“It is our religious, legal, and humanitarian duty to take more immediate and practical measures to prevent further harm to our loved ones in crisis-hit areas,” he emphasized.
The presidency of the 11th D-8 summit was officially handed over to Egypt by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Mohammed Yunus, who had chaired the previous session.
This visit marks the first time in 11 years that an Iran president has visited Egypt. The last visit was by former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in February 2013.
Ahmadinejad’s visit was the first by an Iranian head of state since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to the severing of diplomatic ties between Iran and Egypt in 1980. Relations were later restored in 1991, albeit at the level of chargé d’affaires and interest sections.
The D-8, also known as the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, serves as a platform for developmental collaboration among its eight member states: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. The organization aims to enhance economic cooperation between member countries, promoting economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards. This is to be achieved by focusing on collaboration in key areas such as agriculture, trade, transportation, industry, energy, and tourism. The organisation also seeks to foster stronger economic ties and social bonds among its members.
The D-8 was formally established on June 15, 1997, at a summit of heads of state and government in Istanbul, with the signing of the Istanbul Declaration. This followed a series of preparatory meetings and the “Cooperation for Development” conference held on October 22, 1996.
