Cairo, December 19, 2024 – The Europe Today: Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for immediate support for Gaza and Lebanon during the Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation summit held in Cairo on Wednesday.
Fidan highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli military operations have caused thousands of deaths and inflicted billions of dollars in damage, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. The foreign minister reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to aiding Palestinians and Lebanese communities, describing them as Türkiye’s “brothers.”
Call for Regional Ownership and Solidarity
Emphasizing the importance of local solutions, Fidan urged regional leaders to take ownership of efforts to achieve stability and peace in the Middle East. He stressed the need for regional collaboration to address shared challenges, asserting that local initiatives are essential to ensuring long-term stability.
Fidan also called for solidarity among D-8 members in opposing Israel’s actions, citing Egypt and Iran as key players in fostering unity. While acknowledging the D-8’s potential, he noted that the organization has yet to fully realize its capabilities.
Focus on Innovation and Youth Empowerment
In his address, Fidan underscored the importance of embracing technology and innovation to drive economic growth among member states. He highlighted the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in national development and advocated for empowering young people to play an active role in strengthening the D-8.
Support for Azerbaijan’s Membership
Fidan also expressed Türkiye’s support for Azerbaijan’s accession to the D-8, voicing confidence that the membership would be finalized at the next summit.
About the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation
Established in 1997, the D-8 comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye. The organization aims to enhance development and economic cooperation among its members, with a focus on promoting sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
The Cairo summit provided a platform for member states to discuss pressing regional issues and explore strategies to strengthen collaboration within the organization.
