Azerbaijan joins D-8 organization as newest member

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has officially ratified his country’s membership in the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization, according to a statement released by the Azerbaijani Presidency.

The presidential decree formalizes Azerbaijan’s entry into the economic cooperation bloc, following a unanimous vote to accept the country during the 11th D-8 Summit held in Cairo, Egypt, on Dec. 19, 2024.

Azerbaijan becomes the ninth member of the organization, joining Türkiye, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Pakistan in the economic development-focused alliance.

The D-8 Organization was established on June 15, 1997, in Istanbul, Türkiye, where its secretariat remains headquartered. All member nations also belong to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

D-8 countries represent approximately 1.2B with Azerbaijan’s addition

With Azerbaijan’s addition, the D-8 countries now represent approximately 1.2 billion people globally. The bloc’s combined foreign trade volume exceeds $2.3 trillion, accounting for roughly 5 percent of global trade.

The organization’s primary objectives include improving developing countries’ positions within the global economy, diversifying trade relationships, creating new commercial opportunities for member states, and strengthening their participation in international decision-making mechanisms.

The D-8 emphasizes cooperation over exploitation, dialogue over confrontation, and equality over discrimination. Its founding principles promote peace, justice, equality, and democracy rather than conflict, double standards, discrimination, and oppression.

Key focus areas for the organization include trade, agriculture and food security, industry, energy, transportation, and connectivity, with ongoing initiatives in healthcare and tourism sectors as well.