The D-8 Secretary-General, H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari had a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, H.E. Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen during the Council of Foreign Ministers of OIC meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 1st March, 2019. The Foreign Minister warmly welcomed the D-8 Secretary-General and expressed his delight to meet with him.

The Secretary-General Ambassador Ku Jaafar congratulated the Foreign Minister on the electoral victory of the Bangladeshi ruling party. Thereafter, he briefed the minister on the D-8 Organization’s objectives, activities and projects including the relocation of the D-8 Secretariat to a new premises.

On his part, the Foreign Minister assured the SecretaryGeneral that his country follow the activities of the D-8 Organization closely and that Bangladesh is ready to give support to the D-8 for the implementation of its projects and plans.

He also expressed the importance of concentrating on specific and effective areas in order to boost economic growth such as investment on projects regarding technology, cooperation among D-8 Member States in maritime and cruise projects for more activities on tourism.

Furthermore, H.E. Abdul Momen pointed out the key role of the Project Support Fund in the development of new projects and initiatives in different fields among Member States. He added that the funds can be provided to entrepreneurs and SMEs as an incentive to motivate them to create and develop more effective and efficient projects and outcomes.

In response, the Secretary-General of D-8, thanked the Foreign Minister for his ideas and views that are aimed at making the D-8 more dynamic and result-oriented organization. In this regard, he briefed the minister regarding specific projects and activities of the D-8 such as the establishment of the D-8 CCI, founding of the D-8 International University, initiating the D8 Payment Card, creation of the Creative Economy and Financial Center and the NPRI programme among the universities of Member States.

Ambassador Ku Jaafar also reminded the Foreign Minister the of 10th Summit Meeting of the D-8 Organization expected to be hosted by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh this year and in response, H.E. Abdul Momen said that the country is planning to hold the Summit Meeting in December, 2019.