WANA (Dec 21) – The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in a letter addressed to his Iranian counterpart, expressed gratitude for Iran’s support of Baku’s accession to the Organization of Islamic Developing Countries (D-8). He also voiced confidence in the continuation of joint efforts to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, based on mutual respect and good neighborly relations.

 

In his letter to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran and President Pezeshkian personally for their support in selecting Azerbaijan as a member of the D-8 Economic Cooperation Organization during its recent meeting held on December 19 in Cairo.

 

Last Thursday, Azerbaijan officially became a member of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, a group of eight developing Islamic countries that, in addition to Egypt, includes Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Nigeria.

 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced this news during his speech as chair of the D-8 summit in Cairo.

 

In his letter, Aliyev stated: “I deeply appreciate the Islamic Republic of Iran and you personally for voting in favor of Azerbaijan’s selection as a member of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation at the organization’s 11th Summit on December 19 in Cairo.”

 

Aliyev noted that the D-8, which has been active for nearly three decades, has decided for the first time to expand its membership, calling it a historic decision reflecting international confidence in Azerbaijan, which is a source of great pride for the nation.

 

The Azerbaijani President highlighted that explicit support for Azerbaijan’s candidacy demonstrates the strong friendship, cooperative relations, unity, and solidarity among the member states of the organization.

 

He added: “I am confident that Azerbaijan, along with all member states, will contribute to upholding the fundamental principles of the D-8, deepening cooperation within the organization, advancing our collective interests, strengthening Islamic solidarity, and working jointly to make it a more powerful entity.”

 

Aliyev further expressed his commitment to continuing joint efforts to enhance the friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, based on mutual respect, good neighborliness, and the interests of both nations.

 

Concluding his letter, the President of Azerbaijan wrote: “Once again, I extend my gratitude to you. I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and I hope for lasting peace and prosperity for the friendly and brotherly people of Iran.”