The Secretary-General, Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari met with the President of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), Dr. Bandar M.H. Hajjar, at a luncheon meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on 27th November, 2018. The meeting addressed ways to further cooperation in promoting the economic and social development of the States of common membership.

The D-8 Secretary-General briefed the President of IsDB and his delegation about the activities of the Organization in its new lifecycle and the focus on implementation and enhancing the role of private sector as the engine of cooperation between D-8 Member States. He also apprised of the recent initiatives that include the establishment of D-8 Airport association; enhancing cooperation in the field of Research and Innovation through the Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI), establishing the D-8 International University; creating D-8 Industrial Parks in Member States, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs dvelopment; as well as supporting the role of the D-8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry (D-8 CCI).

In response, the President of IsDB Group, Dr. Hajjar, congratulated Ambassador Ku Jaafar for his successful leadership of the Organization and his innovative plans and projects. Furthermore, he presented some of the activities of Islamic Development Bank in D-8 Member States and other OIC countries, focusing on his five years plan and his vision for the bank to be a vehicle of inclusive economic growth. He also expressed confidence that the cooperation between IsDB and D-8 will help support their respective economic and social projects and programs for the benefits of the States of Common Membership.
The two interlocutors agreed to continue the dialogue and further explore avenues to enhance cooperation during the D-8 Secretary General’s upcoming visit to the IsDB Headquarters.