IsDB president thanks Azerbaijan for hosting Annual Meetings

The President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, Muhammad Al-Jasser, has expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev after receiving the country’s prestigious “Dostlug” Order during the 51st Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group in Baku.

Speaking at the closing press conference of the event, Al-Jasser thanked President Aliyev for the support provided in hosting the annual gathering and said he was deeply honoured by the award, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

“I would like, on behalf of the entire IsDB Group, to express sincere and deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the high patronage extended in organising this year's meetings. I am deeply touched and consider it a great honour to receive the honorary 'Dostlug' order from His Excellency the President,” he said.

Al-Jasser stressed that he viewed the recognition as a tribute to the efforts of the entire IsDB Group rather than a personal achievement.

“I regard this award not as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the dedication and tireless work of our entire team in the IsDB Group. This high honour rightly belongs to them, and it significantly strengthens our collective determination to continue fulfilling our mission, serving member countries, and supporting the communities that rely on us,” he added.

The IsDB chief also praised Azerbaijan for the exemplary organisation of the annual meetings.

“You have created a safe, vibrant, and truly hospitable environment for our most important activities,” he said.

Al-Jasser extended special thanks to Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov for his role as Chair of the IsDB Board of Governors, crediting his leadership with helping guide discussions and build consensus during the event.

“Your leadership has been instrumental in guiding our discussions, building consensus, and moving toward tangible results,” Al-Jasser said.

Additionally, he noted that Azerbaijan’s capital has become a key milestone in the IsDB’s transition from the strategic planning phase to the practical implementation of its new ten-year programme.

He recalled that a year earlier, at a meeting in Algiers, the Board of Governors had approved a strategic framework programme for the period 2026–2035, which sets out the organisation’s overall priorities and aspirations for the coming decade.

“Today, this framework programme is being translated into concrete actions through our five-year corporate strategies for 2026–2030. Baku marks a crucial milestone in the first year of implementing this updated framework programme. Last year, our shareholders set the course. This year, we are confidently entering the phase of practical implementation and achieving concrete results,” said the group’s CEO.

By Sabina Mammadli