D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization marks its 27th anniversary

By Can Efesoy and Mehmet Sah Yilmaz

Nearly three decades have passed since the establishment of the Eight Developing Countries (D-8) Economic Cooperation Organization, which adopted principles such as peace, dialogue, cooperation, and justice.

“Today, we proudly celebrate the 27th anniversary of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation. Over the past 27 years, our organization has grown and evolved, continuously striving to enhance economic cooperation and foster sustainable development among our member states: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye,” head of the group told Anadolu in a statement.

This year has been particularly remarkable for the D-8 Organization, with significant accomplishments across various sectors, especially in trade and mainstreaming youth economic empowerment, it said.

“Additionally, we have engaged extensively with the private sector representatives and business associations, thus reinforcing our commitment to boosting trade activities, within the D-8 community,” it said.

Noting that efforts have extended beyond trade, the group has significantly increased media engagements and external relations, collaborating with numerous domestic and international media outlets and organizations.

“These initiatives have broadened our impact and visibility, furthering our mission of economic cooperation,” it added.

Underlining that a “historic milestone” for the D-8 was the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul by the Turkish Foreign Ministry to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, it said the meeting, the first of its kind in the organization's history, underscores the group's commitment to addressing critical global issues and promoting peace and stability in the region.

A joint statement after the meeting underscored the importance of the Palestinian cause. The group agreed to stand with the Palestinian people with all means and capabilities in their legitimate struggle to liberate all their occupied lands, to exercise all their inalienable rights and to live in an independent, sovereign state along the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Additionally, the D-8 secretariat said the group has various activities, projects and initiatives planned in the short and long term across different areas where the organization operates, aiming to achieve the fundamental objectives of the institution.

“As we celebrate this 27th anniversary, we pay tribute to the founding leaders of the D-8. Their vision and dedication have been the cornerstone of our achievements. We extend our deepest gratitude to all member states, partners, and stakeholders, for their unwavering support and collaboration,” it said.

Stressing the journey ahead promises further growth and success, it said the group will continue to work toward a prosperous future, enhancing economic cooperation and fostering sustainable development for all nations.

The main areas of activity for the D-8 are agriculture and food safety, trade, transportation, industry and energy. Work continues in the fields of health and tourism. The coordination of the sectors is shared among member countries.

Aiming at the socio-economic development of its members, the organization prioritizes the principles of "peace not war, dialogue not conflict, cooperation not abuse, justice not double standards, equality not discrimination, democracy not oppression."

The D-8 also attaches importance to the development of alternative and renewable energy sources.