Azerbaijan eyes membership in D-8 as Cairo hosts 11th summit

The 11th D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization Summit, convening under the theme "Investing in Youth and Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises: Shaping Tomorrow's Economy," has begun in Cairo, attracting global attention for its agenda and potential expansion of membership.

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov arrived in Cairo on the evening of December 18 to represent his nation at the summit, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

A landmark decision on Azerbaijan’s potential membership in the organization is anticipated within hours, signalling a significant step in the nation’s integration into broader economic frameworks.

Established to bolster economic ties among its eight member states — Egypt, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Pakistan — the D-8 focuses on key sectors such as agriculture, trade, transportation, industry, energy, and tourism. The summit provides a platform for addressing pressing global and regional economic challenges while promoting sustainable development and improved living standards across member nations.

Adding weight to the summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Cairo on December 19. His presence underscores Türkiye’s leadership in driving economic and political collaboration within the D-8. Erdoğan’s participation is expected to enhance cooperation among member states and reinforce Türkiye’s strategic objectives in the region.

Azerbaijan’s potential inclusion in the D-8 marks a significant moment in its foreign policy and economic strategy. Membership would not only expand Azerbaijan’s economic partnerships but also strengthen its role in shaping regional and global economic initiatives.

By Tamilla Hasanova