D-8 Secretary General participates in TRT World Forum, meets Malaysian DPM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (APP): The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, participated in the 10th edition of the TRT World Forum, held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on November 6-7, 2026, at the invitation of TRT World.

The forum was held under the theme “A World Without a Center: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?” and brought together political leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, media representatives and experts from across the world to discuss emerging global challenges and the changing international order.

The event, marking a decade of international dialogue, was inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the evolving international system, Türkiye’s role as a multi-regional actor, conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, regional security challenges, emerging security frameworks, geopolitical connectivity, global economic pressures, energy crises, technological developments and the need for renewed international cooperation.

On the sidelines of the forum, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood held a high-level bilateral meeting with Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The meeting provided an opportunity to review Malaysia’s longstanding contribution to the D-8 and explore ways to strengthen economic cooperation among member states.

The D-8 Secretary-General appreciated Malaysia’s role as a founding member of the organisation and acknowledged its continued support for the group’s objectives and institutional development. He emphasised the importance of drawing on Malaysia’s economic strengths, expertise and successful practices to advance the D-8 cooperation agenda.

The two sides discussed ways to increase trade and investment among member states, improve financial connectivity, address non-tariff barriers and encourage greater private-sector participation. They also explored opportunities for practical cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), food security, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and rural development, with particular attention to entrepreneurship, skills development and inclusive economic growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed expanding cooperation in the halal economy and trade, while highlighting opportunities for collaboration through the International Zakat Organisation (IZO) to support poverty alleviation, socio-economic empowerment and inclusive development.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and translate the priorities of the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030 into concrete results. He particularly highlighted the roadmap’s target of increasing intra-D-8 trade to $500 billion by 2030. He also emphasised the potential for stronger economic ties between the D-8 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), building on Malaysia’s strategic geographical position and regional connectivity.

Looking ahead, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of sustained high-level engagement among member states, describing the forthcoming 12th D-8 Summit in Indonesia and the organisation’s 30th anniversary in 2027 as significant opportunities to advance shared priorities and enhance the group’s international profile.

During the two-day forum, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also held brief interactions with several prominent international dignitaries, including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Prince Turki Al-Faisal Al Saud, Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi, and former South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Grace Naledi Pandor, who also chairs the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

These engagements provided opportunities to broaden the D-8’s international outreach, strengthen diplomatic contacts and explore avenues for greater cooperation with international partners.

The Secretary-General’s participation in the TRT World Forum and his meetings with senior international representatives underscored the D-8’s continued commitment to strengthening multilateral dialogue, expanding international partnerships and promoting economic cooperation, sustainable development and shared prosperity among its member states.