Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, attended the 21st Council of Foreign Ministers of the Developing Eight (D-8) Countries in Cairo, Egypt. In his address, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the D-8 Charter, highlighting the significant potential for economic growth through enhanced cooperation in agriculture, food security, and tourism among member states. He celebrated the signing of the Protocol on the D-8 PTA Dispute Settlement Mechanism as a pivotal step towards resolving trade disputes and enhancing intra-regional trade.
Dar underscored Pakistan’s dedication to collective prosperity within the D-8 framework, expressing support for Azerbaijan’s application to join the organization. He also addressed the dire situation in the Middle East, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and emphasized the need for a collective D-8 response to the humanitarian crisis.
His statements also included gratitude towards Egypt for hosting the meeting and acknowledged Bangladesh’s previous leadership. Dar concluded by nominating Ambassador Sohail Mehmood for the position of D-8 Secretary General, showcasing Pakistan’s intent to continue contributing to the organization’s objectives under Egypt’s new chairmanship.