D-8 Summit: Calls for Syrian Unity Amidst Regional Turmoil
Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts in the Middle East, leaders from eight Muslim-majority nations convened in Cairo for the D-8 (Developing-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation summit. The meeting,held on Thursday,saw a surprising convergence of views from Turkey and Iran,longtime adversaries in the Syrian conflict,both calling for unity and reconciliation within Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.
Historically, Turkey supported the opposition forces against Assad, while Iran firmly backed his regime. This unexpected call for unity highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape and the urgent need for stability in the region.
The summit took place amidst a complex web of regional crises,including the ongoing conflict in Gaza,a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon,and the persistent instability in Syria. This confluence of challenges underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for collaborative solutions.
Addressing the summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the importance of restoring Syria’s “territorial integrity and unity.” He expressed hope for “the establishment of a Syria free of terrorism,” envisioning a future where “all religious sects and ethnic groups live side by side in peace.”
Echoing Erdogan’s sentiment, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian advocated for “the participation of all (Syrian) groups in the future government…and also respect for different beliefs and religions.” He also pointed to the broader regional impact of the conflict, stating, “for more than 14 months, the Middle East region, in particular Gaza and southern Lebanon, and now… Syria, has been the target of massive attacks” by Israel. He added, “It is our religious, legal and human duty to prevent further harm” to those affected.
Pezeshkian’s visit marked a significant diplomatic advancement, as he became the first Iranian president to visit Egypt since Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2013. The thawing of relations between Egypt and Iran, intensified by Cairo’s mediation efforts in the Gaza war, signals a potential shift in regional dynamics.
Holding Israel Accountable
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at a special session focused on Gaza and Lebanon, urged the international community to adopt “a single standard of justice” and ensure that Israel “is held accountable and punished for violations of international law” in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. He reiterated his call for a political plan, presented at a November summit in Riyadh, that includes a ceasefire, Israel’s complete withdrawal from gaza, and full UN membership for Palestine.
President Pezeshkian voiced support for any agreement endorsed by all Palestinian factions, emphasizing that “The right to self-determination of the Palestinian people must be respected.” he further pressed the international community to pressure Israel to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, cease attacks on Lebanon and syria, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
the Cairo summit also witnessed a meeting between Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a significant step given the complex history between the two nations. Yunus stated that he had “agreed to strengthen relations” with Pakistan, a move with potential implications for Bangladesh’s relationship with India.
Established in 1997, the D-8 aims to promote cooperation among its member states, which include Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia.The organization’s efforts to foster collaboration across diverse regions, from Southeast Asia to Africa, are crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the Muslim world.
