Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi delivered a stark warning at the D-8 summit, highlighting “unprecedented challenges” in the Middle East caused by escalating wars and conflicts.
Speaking at the summit’s opening session in Cairo, Sisi condemned Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, calling it a direct affront to international legitimacy. The conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has claimed nearly 45,100 lives, predominantly women and children.
Sisi emphasized that the war’s ramifications extend beyond Gaza, with violence spilling over into Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, further heightening regional instability. He urged for decisive international action to address these issues.
The Egyptian president also announced plans for Egypt to sign a preferential trade agreement with D-8 member states, aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. Such agreements facilitate easier access to certain goods among participating nations.
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, established in Istanbul in 1997, comprises Türkiye, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, and Malaysia. The summit, themed “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy,” attracted leaders from across the member states.