PM Shehbaz to depart for Cairo to join D-8 summit

D-8 includes Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iran, and Turkiye.

Listen to article

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Cairo today to attend the 11th summit of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, a group comprising eight developing nations.

The summit will be held from December 18 to 20 under the theme, “Investing in Youth, Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy,” Express News reported.

The D-8, established to promote economic collaboration, includes Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iran, and Turkiye.

According to a statement from the Foreign Office, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will reiterate Pakistan's strong commitment to the D-8’s vision and highlight the importance of partnerships for mutual benefit and prosperity.”

The summit will address critical issues such as food security, agriculture, and tourism, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration among member states.

During the visit, the prime minister is expected to participate in a special session addressing the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon.

The discussions will focus on reconstruction challenges following Israeli aggression in the region.

“Prime Minister Sharif will emphasise Pakistan’s stance on the Middle East crisis and reiterate calls for peace,” the Foreign Office added.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan at the 21st meeting of the D-8 Council of Ministers, also taking place on 18 December.

Sharif’s agenda includes bilateral meetings with key leaders on the summit’s sidelines.

His engagement is expected to advance Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and economic partnerships within the D-8 framework.

The D-8, formed in 1997, aims to promote cooperation in economic development and sustainable growth among its members. This year’s summit highlights the importance of youth empowerment and the support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in shaping future economies.