D-8 Secretary-General Visits Türkiye to Bolster Economic Cooperation
Ankara – Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), concluded a significant visit to Türkiye from February 23-25, 2026, focused on strengthening ties and accelerating the organization’s transformation agenda. The visit, his first official trip since assuming office on January 1, 2026, underscored Türkiye’s crucial role within the D-8 and laid the groundwork for the upcoming summit in Jakarta.
Strengthening D-8’s Institutional Framework
Discussions with senior Turkish leadership centered on reinforcing the D-8 Secretariat’s capabilities. Meetings with Deputy Ministers Musa Kulaklıkaya and Berris Ekinci at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed bolstering the Secretariat’s human and financial resources, streamlining internal processes, and expanding its international reach. A key objective is to ensure tangible outcomes at the forthcoming summit. [Developing8.org]
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
Ambassador Mahmood expressed gratitude to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for Türkiye’s consistent support as the host country of the D-8 Secretariat. He highlighted the geo-strategic and geo-economic importance of D-8 member states and acknowledged Türkiye’s growing international influence, citing initiatives like the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and its Presidency of COP31 as examples. [The Diplomatic Insight] A meeting between Fidan and Mahmood specifically focused on strengthening ties within the economic organization.
Boosting Trade and Investment
Trade and economic cooperation were central to Ambassador Mahmood’s talks with Trade Minister Ömer Bolat. He lauded Türkiye’s decision to host the permanent D-8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry Secretariat in Istanbul, viewing it as a pivotal step towards greater private-sector involvement. [The Diplomatic Insight] The D-8 Business and Investment Forum and Halal Expo, scheduled to coincide with the Jakarta Summit, were identified as crucial platforms for increasing intra-D-8 trade and investment.
Collaboration on Climate and Sustainability
Discussions with Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum explored potential joint initiatives in climate resilience, green transformation, and sustainable urbanization across D-8 economies. This reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable development within the organization.
Presidential Reception and Industry Outreach
Ambassador Mahmood was received by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz at the Presidential Complex and later attended an Iftar hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also engaged with media representatives at TRT and business leaders at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) to foster stronger communication and business connections.
About the D-8
Established in 1997, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye. The organization aims to enhance member states’ positions in the global economy, diversify trade relationships, and increase their participation in international decision-making.