Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, the D-8 Secretary-General, attended the 14^th Traditional Iftar Dinner, hosted by the AK Party Foreign Affairs Department, in Ankara, on 4 April 2023. Ambassador Imam attended the Iftar upon the invitation from Mr. Efkan Ala, AK Party Vice Chairman in charge of foreign affairs.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan graced the Iftar event with his presence. In his speech, President Erdoğan underscored his government’s resolve to the construction efforts in the areas devastated by the 6 February earthquake. Furthermore, the President underlined that solidarity demonstrated by more than 90 countries contributed to the reconstruction efforts.

Underlining his foreign policy, President Erdoğan reiterated that Türkiye’s bid as a member of the European Union is still a strategic goal for Turkiye. He stressed that Turkiye does not lose sight of that target, albeit many injustices, discrimination, and the growing islamophobia facing Muslims in Europe.

The President also presented Turkiye’s global posture in promoting a more sustainable world for the future generation by spearheading the Zero Waste initiative. The initiative, led by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, garnered global support through the proclamation of 30 March as the International Day of Zero Waste by the United Nations in 2022.

President Erdoğan also emphasized that Turkiye does not discriminate against relations and is striving to strengthen its global network. He stressed that Turkiye’s global foreign service network, comprised of 260 missions, is working around the clock to ensure mutually beneficial and amicable relationships.

At the closing of the Iftar Dinner, Ambassador Imam had the chance to greet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Republic of Türkiye. Ambassador Imam reiterated his condolences and sympathy to Turkiye on the earthquake in February. Ambassador Imam also praised Turkiye’s role in promoting the global agenda, including within the D-8 Organization’s framework.

The traditional Iftar Dinner is a regular program organized by the AK Party, managed by its Foreign Affairs Department, inviting members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Türkiye. The earthquake that struck the southern part of Turkiye became the backdrop of the Iftar.