The Secretary General of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, H.E. Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, was one of the High Dignitaries and Members of the Diplomatic Corps that graced the occasion of the recent 51st Independence Anniversary and National Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Ankara, Republic of Turkiye.

Ambassador Imam, who attended the celebration at the invitation of the Embassy of People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Turkey, delivered a congratulatory message at the event, where he lauded the socio-economic progress that had been achieved in Bangladesh since independence, which culminated in the graduation of the country from one of the Least Developed Countries in the world to a developing one last year, according to the United Nations.

The D-8 Secretary General noted that Bangladesh, which marked its golden jubilee last year, had consistently recorded above 6% GDP economic growth over the last ten years. He added that this was by no means a small achievement and praised the leadership of the country for their untiring efforts and focus, particularly the Government of Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Hon’able Sheikh Hasina, who is currently the Chair of D-8 Organization.

While in Ankara, Ambassador Imam also paid a courtesy visit to the offices of Necmettin Erbakan Foundation and Anatolian Youth Association, where he met with Dr. Fatih Erbakan who is Honorary President of Necmettin Erbakan Foundation and Mr. Salih Turan, the President of Anatolian Youth Association.

In his brief meeting with Heads of the two organizations, the Secretary General seized the opportunity to call for further strengthening of their existing cooperation and partnership, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) signed with D-8 Organization. He also used the opportunity to inform them about the forthcoming Silver Jubilee Anniversary of D-8 Organization coming up in June this year and sought for their support in hosting the cultural event, as part of activities lined up for the celebration.