Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will undertake a one-day visit to Istanbul, Türkiye to attend the Extraordinary Meeting of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers.
The meeting is being held to discuss the “Situation in Gaza” at the initiative of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan. The D-8 Foreign Ministers will deliberate upon the shared responsibility of the international community to bring an urgent and unconditional ceasefire, and an end to the inhumane and unjustified war on the people of Gaza.
The Deputy Prime Minister will present Pakistan’s stance on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the urgency of an unconditional ceasefire, lifting of the siege and humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people. He will also call for unified international efforts to bring an end to the war being waged against the people of Gaza and the war crimes being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces.
On the sidelines, the Deputy Prime Minister is also expected to meet the Foreign Ministers in attendance.
Introduction
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known simply as D-8, is a coalition of eight developing countries with a shared goal of enhancing economic cooperation and development. The group comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. Established in 1997, the D-8 aims to improve member states’ positions in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at the international level, and improve standards of living.
History and Background
The idea of forming the D-8 was initiated by Turkey’s then-Prime Minister, Necmettin Erbakan, during a seminar on “Cooperation in Development” in Istanbul in October 1996. The founding summit took place in Istanbul on June 15, 1997, where the leaders of the eight countries signed the Istanbul Declaration, which set the foundation for the group’s objectives and future collaboration.
Objectives and Aims
The primary aims of the D-8 are:
- Economic Cooperation: To foster economic cooperation and sustainable development among member countries.
- Trade Enhancement: To promote trade relations and increase trade volumes among member states.
- Social Development: To collaborate on improving social standards, healthcare, education, and other aspects contributing to a better quality of life.
- Technological Exchange: To facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technology to boost innovation and industrial growth.
- International Representation: To enhance the collective bargaining power of member countries in global economic forums and institutions.
Pakistan’s Role and Contributions
Pakistan has been an active and significant member of the D-8 since its inception. The country has hosted several key meetings and summits, including the 8th D-8 Summit in Islamabad in 2012. Pakistan’s contributions to the D-8 include:
- Economic Contributions: Pakistan has been instrumental in promoting intra-trade among D-8 countries. It has actively participated in trade negotiations and has pushed for the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Pakistan has shared its expertise in agriculture, contributing to discussions on food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Science and Technology: Pakistan has promoted collaborations in science and technology, particularly in areas like information technology and pharmaceuticals.
- Capacity Building: The country has participated in various capacity-building programs, helping to enhance skills and technical knowledge across the D-8 member states.
Achievements of Pakistan and the D-8
Pakistan’s Achievements:
- Trade Agreements: Pakistan has successfully negotiated several trade agreements within the D-8 framework, enhancing market access for Pakistani products.
- Investment Projects: It has attracted investment from D-8 countries in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
- Cultural Exchange: Pakistan has played a pivotal role in promoting cultural exchange programs, fostering closer people-to-people ties among member countries.
Group Achievements:
- Trade Increase: Since its establishment, intra-D-8 trade has seen significant growth, reflecting the group’s success in economic cooperation.
- Joint Projects: The D-8 has initiated various joint projects in agriculture, energy, and technology, benefiting all member states.
- Global Influence: The group has gained recognition as an important economic bloc, providing a platform for developing countries to voice their concerns and interests in global economic forums.
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation represents a significant effort by eight developing nations to foster economic collaboration, enhance trade, and promote sustainable development. Pakistan’s active participation and contributions have been vital to the group’s progress. As the D-8 continues to grow and evolve, the cooperation and mutual support among its members promise a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
Reference Link:- https://mofa.gov.pk/press-releases/deputy-prime-minister-and-foreign-minister-to-attend-the-meeting-of-the-d-8-council-of-foreign-ministers