ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 (APP):The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, participated in the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Baghdad on 17-18 October 2026, at the invitation of the OIC Secretary-General.
Convened under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Fundamental Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development,” the Session was attended by OIC member states and observers, including 22 Ministers, high-level officials, special envoys, and heads and senior representatives of international and regional organizations, said a press release issued on Tuesday.
Against a backdrop of regional instability and global uncertainty, the Session underscored the importance of multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy, solidarity, international cooperation, and collective action.
The opening session featured a wide-ranging and impactful statement by Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in his capacity as the outgoing chair (51st CFM). Iraq’s Foreign Minister Dr. Fouad Mohammed Hussein made an insightful statement upon assumption of chair of the 52nd Session. Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi delivered a thoughtful opening address.
The OIC Secretary-General presented a comprehensive report on the working of the Organization since the last session.
Besides attending all the Open Sessions of the 2-day CFM, D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood actively interacted with the participating dignitaries and delegations. In his exchanges with OIC Secretary-General Mr. Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood extended warm felicitations on his recent election and expressed confidence in his leadership and vision in steering the Organization. He highlighted the breadth of D-8 cooperation with the OIC and its affiliated bodies and conveyed the Organization’s commitment to developing a deeper, multifaceted D-8–OIC partnership.
The Secretary-General also held bilateral meetings with Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt; Mr. Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; and Mr. Muhammad Anis Matta, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.
Discussions covered progress across D-8 sectoral cooperation, preparations for upcoming ministerial meetings and key activities leading to the 12th D-8 Summit in Indonesia in early 2027.
The exchanges also addressed opportunities to expand intra-D-8 trade and investment, deepen economic integration, and advance practical initiatives for shared prosperity.
In his meeting with Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al-Uloom, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iraq, Ambassador Mahmood appreciated the Government and people of Iraq for the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended to participating delegations.
He congratulated Iraq on the successful convening of the 52nd CFM, recognizing the Baghdad Session as a significant diplomatic achievement for the country. He also briefed his counterpart on progress in regional economic cooperation under the D-8 framework, with both sides agreeing to maintain contact.
During his meeting with Dr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Ambassador Mahmood outlined the D-8’s founding vision, trans-continental character, collective economic potential, and progress across its sectoral priorities.
He emphasized the Organization’s distinctive role as a platform for South–South cooperation and highlighted its expanding international outreach.
The CFM also provided an opportunity for brief exchanges with Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. Ambassador Mahmood underscored the D-8’s interest in strengthening collaboration with the United Nations, with which the Organization holds Observer status.
He also engaged with the media to raise awareness of the D-8’s origin, evolution, mandate and priorities.
Notably, representing 2 billion Muslims world-wide, the 57-member OIC is the world’s second largest multilateral platform after the United Nations.
The Secretary-General’s engagements in Baghdad reflected the D-8 Secretariat’s commitment to proactive diplomacy, diversified external relations, and stronger partnerships with regional and global institutions.
Participation in major multilateral forums provides an important platform to enhance the Organization’s international profile, identify new avenues for cooperation, and mobilize support for shared economic and development priorities.
Through sustained outreach and result-oriented engagement, the D-8 seeks to translate its collective potential into tangible benefits for its Member States and their peoples.
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Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
