Azerbaijan has been accepted as a member of the D-8 organization starting today. This promises broad prospects for Azerbaijan. It is also significant as the first expansion of the organization's ranks since the D-8's establishment.
The D-8 spans three continents, boasts a GDP exceeding $4 trillion, and facilitates a trade turnover of $130 billion. Its member countries collectively represent 60% of the global Muslim population, underscoring the organization’s substantial economic potential.
Notably, President Ilham Aliyev participated as a special guest of honor at the 9th Summit of the D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization in Istanbul for the first time.
As for the prospects, the first of them is the diversification of the economy. By working together in this area, the D-8 countries have the opportunity to reduce dependence on raw material-based products and focus on manufacturing, technology, and service industries.
Market potential. The total population of the D-8 countries exceeds 1 billion. This, of course, will open up the opportunity for a vast market potential for them. These countries get the chance to significantly increase their capital by exporting the products they manufacture to the global market.
Digital economy and commerce. At a time when transformation in this field is accelerating, the members of the mentioned organization have the opportunity to explore the possibilities created by e-commerce and technologies extensively, thereby attracting additional revenue and facilitating the exchange of experiences in this area.
Energy infrastructure. Cooperation with other countries is a priority for the states that are members of the D-8. In general, several countries within the organization have significant potential in the renewable energy sector.
Rather than conflicts, which is one of the fundamental political elements, the D-8 organization primarily defines the principle of peace as its main goal. The important principle of "peace instead of conflict" is directly proportional to the member countries and their regional-global policies. Unlike almost all of the world's hegemonic states, the D-8 countries openly and actively support the resolution of even the most acute disagreements and differences of position in the political sphere through dialogue, negotiations, and discussions.
The "cooperation instead of exploitation" principle is also of great importance. Considering that politics is a major game, the D-8 does not desire member countries’ regression, contrary to the rules of this game, nor do they wish for only the development of the hegemonic powers. Its primary objective is to ensure the joint and effective use of the economic opportunities available to the members, under conditions of cooperation, together and without intermediaries.
The D-8 organization firmly rejects exploitation and supports the establishment of deep political-economic cooperation between countries. Its main goal is to establish close cooperation or partnership. D-8 countries are in favor of benefiting from each other's resources within the framework of cooperation. The organization's approach to this matter is directly regulated by legal acts and categorically rejects exploitation.
The D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization, which is guided by the principles of legal equality instead of discrimination and democracy instead of oppression on a global scale, unites eight Muslim countries. The organization was officially announced on June 15, 1997, at a summit of the heads of state and government of the eight countries in Istanbul. Its secretariat is located in Istanbul. The organization's new goals are reflected in the document "Road Map 2020-2030".
One of the global goals of D-8 is to remove trade barriers among member countries and promote direct investment.
If the D-8 countries, which have extensive potential in the joint use of renewable energy sources, expand their cooperation in this area, this will significantly reduce their dependence on other sources, especially depleting energy resources.
In order to achieve this goal, it is essential to implement joint initiatives that serve economic development, carry out economic projects based on each country’s potential and future, exchange experiences, eliminate barriers to internal and external trade development, promote and expand political dialogue, implement innovative projects that contribute to technological development, support the implementation of “green energy” projects, and ensure conditions that increase competitiveness.
The main driving force behind the potential of D-8 countries is also their population. It is precisely this factor, along with the ones mentioned above, that will support the international structure in further increasing its influence on the global stage and help achieve the common goal of prosperity by utilizing the strengths of the member countries.
Thus, if the intended goals are realized, D-8 will become a true positive example for other developing countries.
Azerbaijan, with its potential, will certainly not spare its significant contributions on this path. December 19, 2024, will be remembered as another significant event in the history of Azerbaijan's independence, among the international diplomatic successes.
Membership in the D-8 organization is Azerbaijan’s next diplomatic victory.
Our country’s membership in D-8 once again proves that Azerbaijan is among the rapidly developing countries with stable socio-political conditions, high economic performance, and the admiration of the international community.
Azerbaijan, which places justice and the norms and principles of international law as its priority goal, will play an important role in preserving the core principles of D-8 and further deepening cooperation within the organization.
In this context, the formation of security, stability, prosperity, and mutually beneficial cooperation in our broader region, as well as the development of relations in economic, trade, and several other important areas, holds great significance.
With its geopolitical position, vast economic potential, strategic transit hubs, and developed transport infrastructure, Azerbaijan stands out as one of the regional centers, and its membership will further strengthen the organization.
Azerbaijan's membership in D-8 will also make a significant contribution to strengthening Islamic solidarity, promoting Islamic values worldwide, and combating Islamophobia.
APA Analytics
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
