Foreign Ministry: Azerbaijan unanimously elected as D-8 member

On December 19, 2024, at the 11th Summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, Egypt, Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the organization, marking the first expansion of the D-8 since its establishment in 1997. 

Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the D-8, also known as the "Islamic Eight," is seen as a significant achievement of President Ilham Aliyev’s foreign policy, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

"Our country’s membership is a clear example of Azerbaijan's growing influence in the international arena and the confidence placed in our country," the ministry stated.

Azerbaijan first participated in the D-8 Summit in 2017 in Istanbul, where President Aliyev attended as a special guest. Seven years later, at the Cairo Summit, the country was represented by a delegation led by Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

The D-8 consists of eight founding member countries—Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye—representing 60% of the global Muslim population and wielding substantial economic potential. Azerbaijan’s inclusion adds a new dimension to the organization’s scope.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the country will play "an important role in protecting the fundamental principles of the D-8 and deepening cooperation within the organization."

The statement further emphasized that Azerbaijan prioritizes justice and international law, aiming to foster security, stability, and prosperity across its vast region.

"Azerbaijan’s membership in the D-8 will contribute to strengthening Islamic solidarity, promoting Islamic values globally, and combating Islamophobia," the ministry noted.

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s historical role as a bridge between East and West, the ministry underscored its cultural, religious, and civilizational significance in the Islamic world. The country’s strategic position and its focus on economic, trade, transport, and communication development are expected to enhance cooperation within the D-8 framework.

The D-8 was established on October 22, 1996, at the Development Cooperation Conference in Istanbul, initiated by Türkiye. The organization was formally launched on June 15, 1997, during the Istanbul Summit of Heads of State and Government. Its Secretariat is located in Istanbul, with a mission to foster economic cooperation among member states.

By Khagan Isayev