D-8 and United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia (UCLG-MEWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 November 2015 in Malatya, Turkey to establish institutional framework and explore collaborative links for mutual partnership in areas of common and mutual interest. Dr. Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Secretary-General of D-8 and Mr. Mehmet Duman, Secretary-General of UCLG-MEWA signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations on the occasion  UCLG-MEWA Executive Bureau and Council meeting. 

Underscoring the importance of working together, Dr. Mousavi said that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is the initial step in strengthening partnership between D-8 and UCLG-MEWA. Mr. Duman said that two organizations would increase their cooperative efforts in the region through this MoU, in order to upscale services and networks.

Under the MOU, the two Parties agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration in joint activities in areas of mutual interest, with a view to pursuing sustainable economic and social development through local governance. The MoU also envisages, among others, cooperation in capacity building, technical assistance and project implementation. Both the Organizations will identify areas of mutual cooperation and explore possibilities of partnership in those identified areas.