D-8 Secretary General emphasizes mediation and economic cooperation

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary General of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation, highlighted the organization's role in promoting global peace and stability during the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Mahmood noted that the world is currently facing over 65 conflicts involving more than 100 countries, with approximately one-quarter of the global population living in conflict zones.

Mahmood emphasized the necessity of strengthening diplomacy and mediation mechanisms as international law is increasingly ignored and multilateralism weakens. He praised Türkiye's active role in mediation, specifically citing its efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and various African mediation files. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also addressed the conference, advocating for sincere dialogue, sustained mediation, and regional ownership as essential principles for conflict resolution.

On the economic front, the D-8 is prioritizing trade cooperation, supply chain strengthening, green transformation, and digital transformation. The organization aims to implement its 2020-2030 roadmap and increase intra-group trade to $500 billion. Additionally, Mahmood expressed the D-8's full solidarity with the Palestinian people, supporting a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause.