Türkiye Backs D-8 Reform for Greater Global Impact | Daily Sabah

Türkiye Pledges Continued Support for D-8 Economic Bloc

Türkiye reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Developing Eight (D-8) organization, an economic partnership of eight major Muslim-majority developing countries, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that Türkiye will continue to offer “sincere and strong support” for the reform process aimed at boosting the international effectiveness of the D-8, an organization Ankara helped establish. Yılmaz made the remarks following a meeting with D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

The meeting centered on ongoing efforts to make the D-8 more dynamic, project-oriented and results-driven, according to a statement released by Yılmaz on his social media account. Discussions also focused on the recent accession of Azerbaijan and how to maximize the benefits of its membership.

Yılmaz highlighted the importance of reinforcing the D-8 Secretariat both institutionally and financially to ensure more effective coordination among member states. “As Türkiye, we will continue to sincerely and strongly support this transformation process that will enhance the global effectiveness of the D-8, in whose founding we played a leading role,” he said.

The D-8, established in 1997, comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye. The organization aims to improve member states’ positions in the global economy, diversify trade relations, and enhance participation in international decision-making, as outlined in the D-8’s founding principles.

Currently, Türkiye is aiming to elevate intra-D-8 trade to 10% through modern agreements, expanding the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement and focusing on innovation and collaboration. This ambition reflects a broader effort to deepen economic ties among member nations amid shifting global trade patterns and regional challenges.

Yılmaz expressed his gratitude to Secretary-General Mahmood for his visit and extended his best wishes for the upcoming D-8 Summit, scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 14–15, 2026. He expressed hope that the summit would yield positive outcomes for the organization and all its member states.

The meeting between Yılmaz and Mahmood underscores Türkiye’s active role within the D-8 framework and its commitment to fostering economic cooperation among developing nations. This commitment comes as Türkiye navigates a period of economic progress, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently acknowledging progress in the country’s disinflation program and steady economic growth. Recent reports indicate Türkiye stands out within the OECD with relatively low public debt and a strategic approach to gold reserves.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also met with D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood in Ankara on February 24, 2026, to discuss strengthening ties within the organization, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.