D-8 Secretary-General Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi paid an official visit to Tehran, Iran between 25-27 November 2013 to attend the 21st Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The meeting was opened by President of Iran, Dr. Hassan Rouhani and chaired by Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif with the presence of other Ministers from ECO Member Countries on Tuesday 26 November.

During his visit to Tehran, Secretary-General Mousavi met with President Rouhani on Wednesday and explicated some of D-8 accomplishments, activities and future targets. The meeting focused mainly on the ways and means of improving the cooperation between D-8 and Iran. Dr. Mousavi expressed his gratitude for the good bilateral relations existing between D-8 and the new Government of Iran and requested more support from President in regards to Organization’s activities. President Rouhani welcomed the idea of more regular dialogue, increased cooperation and deeper relationship with D-8 Organizatoin. He also highlighted the need for more ecoomic collaboration among the developing countries. 

Secretary-General Mousavi addressed the ECO Council of Ministers Meeting in his speech while appreciating the invitation and hospitality of Government of Iran. He continued that such meetings provide a chance for broader strategic discussions on how to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other cooperation agreements between the two organizations.  

During the retreat session of the meeting, he met with the Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz and discussed upcoming D-8 Council of Minister in Islamabad on 19 December 2013. Secretary-General thanked the Adviser for organizing the Commission and Council Meetings and appreciated Pakistans active role in the D-8 activities as the Chair. He also discussed several issues on the upcoming D-8 Council of Minister Meeting with Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mr Ahmet Davutoglu, and Foreign Minister of Iran Mr. Javad Zarif. He also considered the Ministers’ ideas about future efforts in terms of enhancing D-8 cooperation and strengthening the relations among Member Countries. 

Secretary-General Mousavi underlined the particular importance of fortifying economic and trade relations among D-8 private sector, creating new and additional mechanisms, which are vital for implementation and reaching the Organization’s targets. In this regard, he stated to the ministers that private sector is the essential element in assuring the effectiveness of D-8 cooperation and it needs a very active involvement among D-8 Member Countries. 

Photos of this visit can be viewed form the link below