Azerbaijan's initiative to boost D-8 co-op, Sohail Mahmood says

Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization Sohail Mahmood has hailed Azerbaijan's initiative regarding establishment of three Centres of Excellence relating to energy and climate, transport cooperation, and the media, Report informs.

"Grateful for a very productive meeting with Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 (ADF2026). Conveyed deep appreciation for Azerbaijan's active role in the D-8 process, guided by the vision and commitment of the Honourable President Ilham Aliyev. The year 2025 saw Azerbaijan hosting a range of high-level events and thus lending further momentum to the Organisation's overall work. Also thanked for Azerbaijan's initiative regarding the establishment of three Centres of Excellence relating to energy and climate, transport cooperation, and the media. Besides strengthening the institutional architecture of the D-8, the proposed Centers would help advance sectoral cooperation among Member States in key areas," Mahmood wrote on X.

Foreign Minister Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijan's strong commitment to D-8, describing it as a high priority in the country's foreign policy. The foreign minister also reaffirmed Azerbaijan's full support in further deepening intra-bloc collaboration, operationalising the 3 Centres at the earliest, facilitating Ministerial dialogue on a range of sectoral priorities, and supporting D-8's endeavours in the media/information domain to raise international awareness about the Organisation's current plans and future trajectory.

Grateful for a very productive meeting with H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 (*#ADF2026*).

Conveyed deep appreciation for Azerbaijan’s active role in the D-8 process, guided by… pic.twitter.com/GIbiTrjOa8

— The Secretary-General of Developing-8 Organization (@D8SecGen) April 21, 2026