Iranian President to Attend D-8 Summit in Egypt Amid Improving Relations

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Egypt to participate in the D-8 summit, focusing on economic cooperation among developing countries. This visit marks the first for an Iranian president to Egypt since 2013, indicating improving bilateral relations. The summit, themed on supporting youth and SMEs, aims to address regional issues such as the situations in Palestine and Lebanon.

The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is set to travel to Egypt for the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) summit. The announcement was made by Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, during a weekly press conference. The gathering is scheduled to take place in Cairo, where the 21st Council of Foreign Ministers meeting will commence on December 18, preceding the main summit on December 19.

The D-8 summit, which will witness the participation of heads of state from eight Islamic developing nations, focuses on the theme “Investing in Youth and Supporting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Shaping the Future Economy.” This significant meeting aims to bolster cooperation among member countries, including Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. Baghaei noted that the foreign ministers’ conference would facilitate the finalization of key documents and promote discussions surrounding pressing regional issues.

During the summit, leaders will also engage in a special session concerning bilateral relations and regional affairs, particularly addressing the ongoing situations in Palestine and Lebanon. Pezeshkian’s visit marks a noteworthy milestone as it is the first by an Iranian president to Egypt since 2013, illustrating the gradual thawing of relations since diplomatic ties were severed in 1980. This historical trajectory reflects a shift in the geopolitical landscape, especially following the uprisings in 2011 and recent diplomatic overtures amid escalating tensions in Gaza.

The D-8 organization was established to enhance economic cooperation among its member states, and Egypt will host the next summit on December 19, 2024, further solidifying its role in fostering unity and collaboration among these countries.

The Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) is an intergovernmental organization that focuses on the economic development of its member countries which include Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. Formed in 1997, the organization aims to leverage economic cooperation and enhance the living conditions of their populations through mutual partnerships and investments. Relations between Iran and Egypt have been historically tense, particularly post-1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent Egyptian recognition of Israel, which caused Egypt to sever diplomatic ties in 1980. However, since the 2011 uprising that deposed Hosni Mubarak, there have been signs of warming relations between the two nations, especially in diplomatic contexts addressing regional stability.

In conclusion, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Egypt for the D-8 summit represents a significant diplomatic event, the first of its kind in a decade. The summit emphasizes economic collaboration among member states, and it is set against a backdrop of improving Iran-Egypt relations. The agenda will likely address not only economic challenges but also urgent regional issues, particularly the crises in Palestine and Lebanon, highlighting the potential for renewed cooperation and dialogue.

Original Source: www.presstv.ir