Azerbaijan committed to expanding ties with D-8 nations, top diplomat says

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation, Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, to discuss deepening collaboration within the organization and address regional and international security issues.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az that  Bayramov expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan’s election as a member of the D-8 during last year's summit, calling it a testament to the country’s growing regional and international standing and the trust the organisation placed in it.

"Azerbaijan's election to the D-8 reflects our increasing regional and international authority, as well as the confidence shown by the organization. We will continue to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with D-8 member states," Bayramov stated.

During the meeting, both sides explored various issues on the D-8 agenda, covering political, economic, trade, energy, transportation, communication, humanitarian, and educational sectors. They noted the significant potential for cooperation in these areas and discussed future plans to enhance joint efforts.

Bayramov also provided detailed information about the large-scale reconstruction and development projects underway in the territories of Azerbaijan that were liberated from occupation.

Additionally, the two sides exchanged views on other matters of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to fostering closer ties.

Azerbaijan officially announced its accession to the D-8 Organization on December 19, 2024.

The D-8 Organization was established on June 15, 1997, in Istanbul, and includes Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye. The organization’s secretariat is headquartered in Istanbul, and all member countries are also part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The combined population of D-8 nations is approximately 1.2 billion, with a total foreign trade volume of $2.3 trillion, accounting for around 5% of global commerce.

By Tamilla Hasanova