'D-8 members can bring justice, welfare to world'

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Developing-8 (D-8) can bring justice and welfare to the world if they build their values on cooperation, equality, and justice, the Turkish deputy foreign minister said on Thursday.

Speaking at an event organized for D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation's 25th anniversary in Istanbul, Faruk Kaymakci said member countries have to work on their needs and expectations, and focus on the common challenges faced by the world today.

Commenting on energy security, lack of connectivity, disturbed supply chains and food security, he said D-8 members are strong economies that can resolve global challenges, especially after the coronavirus pandemic and "an unjust and brutal war by Russia against Ukraine."

Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, the organization's secretary-general, said D-8, in the last 25 years, has made progress on promoting economic cooperation and trade among its members.

Appreciating Ankara for its support, he said Türkiye has made it easier for the smooth running of the D-8 secretariat over the years. The organization's administrative office is in Istanbul.

Tamer Kiran, the deputy chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), said "we will continue to support all actions for better business environment, and enhancing trade and strengthening infrastructure."

Meanwhile, Anadolu Agency, Türkiye's public broadcaster TRT, the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey, Islamic Development Bank and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency received awards.

TRT and D-8 also signed a corporate cooperation protocol. The agreement was signed by Mehmet Zahid Sobaci, the director-general of TRT, and Imam.

The D-8's members are Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye.