D-8 chief highlights diplomacy, multilateral cooperation at Antalya Forum

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) Secretary General of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation Sohail Mahmood has emphasized the importance of diplomacy, multilateralism and international cooperation in addressing global challenges and advancing shared development goals.

In a post on X, he said the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 provided an excellent opportunity for bilateral engagements and outreach to regional and international partners.

On the sidelines of the forum, the secretary general held meetings with key global figures, including Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia Kairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization Asad Majeed Khan, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Aftab Ahmad Khokhar, and Director Intergovernmental Affairs at the United Nations Environment Programme Jamil Ahmad.

He said the interactions focused on strengthening mutual collaboration and pursuing joint initiatives to advance common objectives.

Sohail Mahmood noted that his media engagements during the forum offered a valuable platform to highlight the founding vision, recent achievements and future direction of the D-8, as well as to share the organization’s perspective on evolving regional and global developments.

He reiterated the indispensable role of dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts in addressing current global challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities.

The secretary general also congratulated the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organizers, including Hakan Fidan, for successfully hosting another edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, terming it a vital platform for international dialogue and cooperation.