Iran Urges More Active Role of D8 States in Confronting Global Challenges

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi called on the Muslim Developing-8 (D8) countries to take more immediate and serious actions in confronting such global challenges as poverty, unemployment, and trade restrictions.

Addressing the 15th D8 ministerial meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Iranian foreign minister said, “The D8 member states should try to uproot poverty, ensure food security, boost trade transactions among themselves, and transfer advanced technologies.”
According to FNA, Salehi said Iran is determined to increase multilateral cooperation within the framework of the D8 as an important tool for the growth and development of the regional countries.
Meantime, the Iranian foreign minister thanked his Pakistani counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar, for hosting the 15th D8 ministerial meeting.
The D-8 was founded by Necmettin Erbakan, former Turkish Prime Minister. The group was established after an announcement in Istanbul, Turkey on June 15, 1997. Membership is open to countries other than the current member-states, though no expansion is currently planned.
The D8 summit is held annually with the aim of exchanging views among the member states.