FM Fidan to attend D-8 council in Cairo, focus on Gaza, regional crises
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends the Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation - Arab League (OIC - AL) Joint Extraordinary Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 10, 2024. (AA Photo)
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to attend the 21st Council of Ministers Meeting of the Developing Eight Countries (D-8) on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt.
The meeting will address topics including the situation in Gaza, regional issues, and preparations for the D-8’s 11th summit.
Why it matters
Fidan is expected to emphasize urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, support for UNRWA, and international pressure on Israel for a cease-fire and a two-state solution, highlighting Türkiye’s active role in addressing the crisis.
Details
- The agenda includes the D-8 progress report, the appointment of the next secretary-general, and strategies to enhance coordination among member states.
- Fidan will stress the importance of fully implementing the Preferential Trade Agreement and fostering programs to support youth employment in D-8 countries.
- He will call for international support for the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon.
Background on D-8
- Established in 1997 in Istanbul, D-8 comprises Türkiye, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria and Pakistan.
- Its goals include improving member states’ global economic standing, diversifying trade, and promoting equitable international relations.
- The organization prioritizes areas like trade, energy, agriculture, transportation, health, and tourism.
Big picture
D-8’s mission of fostering cooperation over conflict aligns with current efforts to address regional crises and bolster economic ties among developing nations.
