Former Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, who was the leading figure in launching the idea of establishment of D-8 Organization in 1997, has passed away today at the age of 85 in an Ankara hospital where he stayed since early January.

Cardiac and respiratory insufficiency were reported to be the main cause behind Erbakan’s death.

D-8 Secretary General, Widi Pratikto, on behalf of the organization extended his deep condolences to his family and all D-8 Community for  the demise of the figure who has contributed enormous thoughts and efforts to bring world into a just and peaceful constellation. Former D-8 Secretary General, who is now the Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia, Dipo Alam, also expressed his condolences to the demise of Erbakan, and said that  both Turkish and developing countries have lost a fine leader and thinker who has shown tireless struggle for a fairer world. “We will be always remembering him with gratitude and deep respect,” Alam said in Jakarta today.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also issued a message of condolences over the death of a man who was his mentor.”He set a good example as a teacher and leader for young generations with his personality, his struggle and principles,” Erdogan said.

A mechanical engineer by profession, Erbakan entered politics in 1969. Since then, he was an important political figure who influenced Turkish politics.

His funeral will be held Tuesday (March 1) in Istanbul.