Mr. Sohail Mahmood, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan paid his farewell visit to the D-8 Secretariat on 15 June 2017 and called on Dr. Seyed AliMohammad Mousavi, D-8 Secretary-General. He was accompanied by Mr. Dildar Ali Abro, Vice Consul of Pakistan in Istanbul and Mr. Amir Barlas, Protocol Officer. 

During the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged views on the role of Pakistan in the D-8 and current issues in the Organization. Ambassador Mahmood reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and development experience-sharing with the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation Member States.  In response, the D-8 Secretary-General reiterated his confidence that Pakistan’s engagement with the D-8 Organization would continue to be deepened in all areas of cooperation. 

Thereafter, Dr. Mousavi informed the Ambassador of the latest developments taking place within the Organization and said that the Secretariat is working assiduously to implement the vision set by the Organization’s leaders. He sought the support of Pakistan in consolidating the partnership among the Member States. 

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood thanked the D-8 Secretary-General for the update and assured him of the cooperation of his government. He informed that Pakistan, as one of the founding member of the Organization, remains committed to furthering the vision and objectives of the Organization in order to contribute to the upliftment of the living standards of the peoples of the region. He underscored the need for new impetus in order to take the Organization to a new height, as there is a lot of distance to travel in the areas of cooperation. He appreciated the active role of the Secretary-General and commended his efforts in steering the affairs of the Organization in the last four years.    

Dr. Mousavi praised Pakistan’s active role in the D-8 as one of the founding Members of the Organization and its current Chair. He also expressed his gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for effectively chairing the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation for almost five years, which is the longest period in the history of the Organization, and commend its exemplary stewardship, inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment. He also appreciated the critical role of the country in furthering cooperation in various sectoral tracks.  Both the Ambassador and the Secretary-General expressed the hope that the date of the 9th D-8 Summit would be announced soon by Turkey so that the low tiers will be given messages to perform, as that is what summits do.