CAIRO, Dec 19 (MENA) - Bangladeshi Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus Thursday hailed Egypt's pivotal role in promoting international cooperation and reinforcing shared values.

Addressing the 11th Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Summit, which is taking place in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), Yunus affirmed gratitude for being hosted by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Egypt.

Bangladesh, since assuming the presidency of the D-8 group in 2024, has been been keen on reinforcing close cooperation between the member states, despite major challenges faced by the group, particularly the repercussions of the corona crisis, Yunus said.

He underscored the importance of setting up a follow-up council for the D-8, with the aim of boosting cooperation among member states.

The prime minister of Bangladesh praised support provided by all the D-8 member states to his country during its presidency of the previous session.

Earlier in the day, Yunus officially announced handing over the presidency of the D-8 group to Egypt, expressing absolute confidence in the Egyptian leadership and its capacity to bolster stability, security and sustainable development throughout its chairmanship.

Established in 1997, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation is an organization for economic cooperation between Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.

The organization aims to improve member states’ position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and improve standards of living. (MENA)

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