PM Shehbaz Sharif to Attend D-8 Summit in Egypt
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Cairo from December 18 to 20 to participate in the 11th Developing Eight (D-8) Summit, the Foreign Office announced on Monday.
The D-8, an economic cooperation organization comprising Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iran, and Turkiye, focuses on promoting sustainable development and mutual prosperity among its member states.
Summit Theme and Agenda
This year’s summit is themed “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.” The Prime Minister will emphasize the importance of empowering youth and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to build resilient economies, foster innovation, create jobs, and encourage local entrepreneurship.
Additionally, the premier will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to D-8’s objectives and advocate for enhanced partnerships in areas such as agriculture, food security, and tourism.
Focus on Gaza and Regional Issues
PM Shehbaz will also participate in a special session on the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon. He is expected to highlight Pakistan’s stance on the Israeli aggression in the Middle East, calling for immediate peace and greater global efforts to address the crisis.
The Foreign Office noted that the session will provide a platform for member states to deliberate on the pressing issues in the region, including the aftermath of recent violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
Bilateral Engagements
On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders, further strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring avenues for economic and strategic cooperation.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will accompany the Prime Minister and participate in the D-8 Council of Ministers meeting on December 18. The visit reflects Pakistan’s dedication to fostering regional collaboration and addressing global challenges collectively.
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