D-8 Summit backs membership expansion, names Indonesia host for 2025

By Ibrahim Khazen

CAIRO (AA) - The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, with eight developing Muslim-majority nations, announced support for expanding membership Thursday and revealed Indonesia as the host for the 2025 summit.

The announcements were part of the Cairo Declaration issued at the conclusion of the summit in the Egyptian capital, according to Egypt’s official news agency.​​​​​​​

The D-8, established to bolster economic collaboration, includes Türkiye, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh. The leaders and delegations of member nations voiced unanimous support for Azerbaijan's acceptance as a full member.

It expressed opposition to unilateral economic sanctions imposed on member states, describing the measures as threats to global economic stability and violations of international law. Member states called for the immediate lifting of the sanctions.

The leaders emphasized their shared commitment to peace, sustainable development and building a more inclusive future based on mutual respect and cooperation. They pledged to advance common development goals that are guided by principles of fraternity, justice, equality, democracy and the rule of law.

The declaration outlined priority areas for collaboration, including agriculture, food security, energy, science and technology, industry, small- and medium-enterprise development, infrastructure, trade, investment and transportation. The initiatives aim to promote equitable and inclusive growth across member states.

Indonesia was formally welcomed as the next chair of the organization, with leaders commending its offer to host the 12th summit. The date and location for the meeting will be announced later.

The summit, chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, included a special session on Palestine and Lebanon. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati participated in discussions.

Key attendees also included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who made the first visit to the northern African country by an Iranian president in 11 years.

The D-8 was established to enhance the role of developing nations in the global economy, strengthen trade relations and ensure better representation in international decision-making to improve living standards worldwide.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio