The leaders of Turkiye and Iran convened in Cairo for the first time since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad, discussing unity and collaboration among Muslim-majority nations at the D-8 summit. Amid regional turmoil, both leaders addressed ongoing crises, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Pezeshkian’s visit marks a significant diplomatic moment, reflecting shifting relations between Iran and Egypt as they seek to mediate conflicts in the region.
CAIRO: In a significant diplomatic gathering, the leaders of Turkiye and Iran convened in Cairo for the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation summit. This marked their first meeting since the removal of Syria’s President Bashar Assad, reflecting a complex interplay between their historically opposing stances regarding Assad’s regime. The summit addressed pressing regional issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a delicate ceasefire in Lebanon, and unrest in Syria.
During his address, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye emphasized the need for unity and reconciliation within Syria, advocating for the restoration of its territorial integrity. He expressed aspirations for a Syria where all ethnic groups and religious sects can coexist peacefully, free from terrorism. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored the urgent necessity to mitigate crises in Gaza and Lebanon, framing the collective effort as both a “religious, legal and human duty.”
The significance of Pezeshkian’s visit is notable, being the first by an Iranian president to Egypt since 2013, indicating a thaw in relations marred by historical tensions. Diplomatic exchanges have increased, particularly as Cairo assumes a mediating role in the Gaza conflict. In a statement, Pezeshkian expressed a desire for the summit to communicate a robust message against Israeli aggressions in conflict-affected areas. The gathering serves the mission of the D-8, created in 1997, to enhance collaboration among member states from diverse regions including Southeast Asia and Africa.
The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, established in 1997, comprises member states including Turkiye, Iran, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The organization aims to promote socioeconomic cooperation and foster political dialogue among its diverse members. The history of strained relations between Egypt and Iran is underscored by Iran’s support for opposing factions in regional conflicts, particularly in Syria, where Turkiye and Iran hold conflicting positions. Recent developments suggest a renewed focus on diplomatic engagement amidst regional crises and tensions.
The summit in Cairo represents a notable shift in Turkiye-Iran relations and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to address ongoing regional conflicts. Through their discussions, both leaders have illustrated a commitment to restoring stability in Syria while addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza and Lebanon. As diplomatic interactions intensify, the D-8 continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering cooperation and dialogue among its member countries.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
