D-8 summit: Sisi says global landscape exacerbated by rise of protectionism, double standards

CAIRO – 19 December 2024: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi addressed world leaders at the 11th summit of the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) held in Cairo, emphasizing that the gathering is taking place amid unprecedented crises in the Middle East.

“The global landscape is dominated by conflicts and wars, exacerbated by the rise of economic and trade protectionism and the prevalence of double-standards,” Sisi stated on Thursday, affirming that the persistent Israeli war in Gaza is a clear example.

Sisi warned that the Israeli war, defying the resolutions of international legitimacy, is compounded by the risk and threat of the conflict spilling over into other countries, as evidenced by Lebanon.

He also underlined developments in Syria, which is under relentless attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The president warned that the potential for further escalation could ignite the region, with devastating political and economic ramifications for all.

Sisi noted that the summit has decided to dedicate a special session for Palestine and Lebanon in solidarity with their peoples.

 

The summit brought together Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Malaysia's Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Also in attendance are Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha.

Established in 1997 in Turkey, the D-8 aims to fortify economic and social ties among its member countries, which include Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.

Today, Bangladesh's Yunus handed over the presidency of the summit to Sisi. The 11th edition of the summit is being held in the New Administrative Capital under the theme: “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”

 

During his speech, Sisi also highlighted the formidable challenges faced by the developing nations, impeding their endeavors to fulfill their peoples’ aspirations for prosperity and development.

“With the lack of funding, mounting debt, a widening digital and knowledge divide, and increasing poverty, hunger and youth unemployment rates, developing countries are grappling with the persistent challenge of achieving meaningful progress and growth,” Sisi said.

Sisi announced the launch of several initiatives under Egypt’s presidency, including a “Network for Directors of Diplomatic Institutes and Academies” and an online competition for pre-university students in member states in the fields of science, engineering, and applied technologies.

The president also declared the launch of a “Network for Cooperation between Economic Think Tanks” and the initiation of regular meetings for the Ministers of Health of member state, with Egypt hosting the first meeting in 2025.