Azerbaijan, D-8 explore expanded cooperation in energy, transport

Azerbaijan and the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation have discussed ways to deepen collaboration across political, economic, energy, transport, and logistics sectors during talks in Baku.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood, who is visiting the country. The discussions focused on expanding ties between Azerbaijan and the organisation, as well as assessing ongoing cooperation since Azerbaijan joined D-8, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Foreign Ministry. 

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the high-level organisation of the 13th World Urban Forum (World Urban Forum 13), in which he participated, and for the substantive discussions held on its sidelines.

Both sides reviewed Azerbaijan’s recent engagement within the D-8 framework and highlighted initiatives such as plans to host the first-ever D-8 Week in Azerbaijan in October 2025. This event is expected to include the launch of several proposed centres, including the D-8 Energy and Climate Centre, the D-8 Media Excellence Centre, and the D-8 Transport Excellence Centre.

According to officials, Azerbaijan’s early and active involvement in the organisation since joining has been positively received, with emphasis placed on strengthening institutional cooperation and expanding practical projects among member states.

The talks also underlined the importance of enhancing the overall influence of the D-8, which brings together countries with a combined population of around 1.3 billion and a GDP of approximately $5 trillion.

Regional and international security issues were also addressed, with both sides stressing the need to reduce tensions, reinforce ceasefires, and promote stability in the Middle East. The meeting further included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.

By Sabina Mammadli