The Developing-8 Summit on Thursday adopted a 35-point declaration, reaffirming its commitment to peace‚ democracy‚ progress‚ dialogue‚ solidarity‚ tolerance‚ and moderation for achieving economic prosperity and people's well-being.
The summit which was held under the theme of 'Democratic partnership for peace and prosperity', was attended by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad‚ Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono‚ Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan‚ Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan‚ Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Haji Muhyiddin Mohammad Yassin‚ Egyptian Vice-President Mahmoud Mekki and Adviser to the Bangladesh Prime Minister D Syed Ali Gowher Rizvi attended the Summit.
The leadership of the member countries, through the declaration, committed themselves to the realisation of a just and equitable international economic system based on the principle of sustainable and inclusive development that takes into account the profound impact of climate change.
Text of the Islamabad Declaration 2012:- "We, the Heads of State and Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Malaysia, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Republic of Turkey met in Islamabad on 22nd day of November 2012, for the Eighth Summit of the Developing Eight Countries (D-8). We reaffirm our commitment to the goals and objectives of the D-8, including previous Summit Declarations.
"We further reaffirm our commitment to peace, democracy, progress, dialogue, solidarity, tolerance, and moderation as the core values and foundation for achieving economic prosperity and well-being of our peoples.
"We reiterate the importance of consultation, co-ordination and joint efforts in economic and trade relations among our members and commit ourselves to the realisation of a just and equitable international economic system based on the principle of sustainable and inclusive development that take into account the profound impact of climate change.
"We underscore the adoption of D-8 Charter in Islamabad as a turning point for the Organisation. On the occasion of the 15th Anniversary, the adoption of the Global Vision, collectively takes us on a new path of co-operation after we have concluded our mutually beneficial co-operation from Istanbul to Islamabad. We are confident that the principles and objectives enunciated in the D-8 Charter will improve interaction and foster closer co-operation in economic relations among Member States. We therefore pledge to work in solidarity to confront common challenges faced by the D-8 community, especially achieving food security, mitigating the impact of natural disasters and countering all forms of extremism which undermine economic progress and negatively affect the livelihood of our peoples.
"We note the continuing difficulties faced by the global economy, particularly in Eurozone area, and the impact of the economic and financial crisis which still overshadows the ability of the developing countries to achieve their growth potentials. We underscore the need for better co-ordination and close engagement between G-20 and D-8.
"We take note with concern of the consequences of the coercive economic measures on the livelihood of the people. "Recognising the uncertain prospects for rapid and sustainable global economic recovery and growth, we resolve to further strengthen intra D-8 co-operation to counter the adverse fallout of the economic crisis. Likewise, we renew our strong faith in multilateralism, in particular under United Nations system. Accordingly, we commit our nations to active participation, effective co-ordination and co-operation with all regional and international multilateral institutions to maximise the realisation of our common interests, as well as those of the Global South.
"We are mindful of the impact of globalisation and its effects on our societies. To address these challenges, we pledge to pursue national development through inclusiveness, dialogue, and democratic values, particularly by promoting social justice, good governance and empowerment of women. We also underline the importance of collaboration in the fields of sharing best practices, lessons learned and knowledge on democracy and good governance in order to build a solid foundation for peace and development.
"We commit ourselves to creating a level playing field for all segments of the society, in particular for the youth to learn modern skills to become active participants in the emerging knowledge-based economy and the information society. We emphasise the need for scientific and technological co-operation and the development of joint industrial projects and sharing of engineering and management knowledge, with D-8 Centers of Excellence at the fore front of this collaborative effort.
"We recognise the facilitating role of the government as catalyst of economic and trade co-operation and underline the importance of achieving intra D-8 investment and trade targets through greater co-operation in these areas. Accordingly, we direct the Commission and the Council to explore, in consultation with national investment and trade promotion agencies, D-8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Business Forums, strategies and plans for increasing D-8 trade and investment levels at the next Summit. In this connection, we commend the untiring efforts by Nigeria during its Chairmanship in office to promote private sector participation and co-operation among D-8 Member Countries.
"We underline the critical importance of harnessing sources of energy in our countries, which is the backbone for economic growth and development and place special emphasis on investment in the energy sector through public-private partnerships. We are firmly committed to creating a framework of co-operation in energy field to achieve long-term energy security in our countries. We reaffirm our commitment to broaden and deepen co-operation in this critical area and stress the importance of collaborative efforts on capacity-building, transfer of technology, exploration of new energy sources, development of alternative fuels, including renewable sources of energy, as well as research, development and production of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We welcome Pakistan's offer to host the First Energy Forum to evolve a framework of co-operation.
"We reiterate our commitment to the realisation of the objectives of the D-8 Roadmap (2008-2018), in particular, the Five Priority Areas and direct the Commission through the Council to explore practical ways and means for benchmarking the Priority Areas into concrete action plans, policies and measures and prepare specific proposals for the review and decision at the Ninth D-8 Summit.
"We note with satisfaction the progress in the area of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and recognise the potential for its expansion within the D-8 community and request Member states to make concerted efforts to promote co-operation in this field, including through the promotion of micro-financing. In this regard, we welcome the proposal of Egypt to create a portal on the D-8 website for the SMEs. We further welcome Egypt's proposal to create a portal on the D-8 website for the promotion of tourism.
"We recognise the emergent role of Islamic Banking and Finance in Muslim societies, including within the D-8 community, and urge Member States to assist in its development as a catalyst for expansion in financial and trade activities.
"We are mindful that the strength of D-8 lies in solidarity and co-operation in the widest possible areas, including proactive liaison with and engagement in the activities of other regional organisations and institutions in particular OIC, ECO, Asean, Saarc, Ecowas, Comesa, and the Arab League.
"We note with great satisfaction the success of the Organisation in the development of the legal instruments, and their ratification and operationalisation which provides the framework for its activities through Visa Agreement, Customs Agreement, the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) as well as MoU on Civil Aviation and serves to facilitate, regulate and promote concrete co-operation among the members.
"We welcome the ratification of the "Agreement on Simplification of Visa Procedures for the Businessmen of the D-8 Member States" by six member states, as well as the ratification of Multilateral Agreement among D-8 Member Countries on Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters by seven member states, and the entry into force of the two Agreements. We believe that these Agreements will give further impetus to the promotion of intra D-8 trade.
"We welcome the ratification of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, and its entry into force, and the current efforts towards its implementation. We invite these countries to take all the required measures to begin, as soon as possible, the implementation of the Agreement. "We encourage the remaining countries which have not done so to ratify the three Agreements as soon as possible.
"We recognise that the private sector in our respective countries have a decisive role to play. We call upon the Member States to extend their valuable assistance to the private sector in promoting effective liaison with the Chambers of Commerce at the national level towards utilising existing and emerging investment opportunities within the D-8 community. In this context, we strongly recommend the effective use of the D-8 Website Business Forum Page by the businessmen and companies.
"We welcome the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding with the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) and the Economic Co-operation Organisation (ECO) and call upon the Secretary-General to exert every effort, in consultation with the Member States, towards the full implementation of the provisions of both MoUs.
"We considered the final report of the 3rd Meeting of Agriculture Ministers on Food Security held early October in Indonesia and express satisfaction at the outcome. We underscore the importance for the D-8 Member States to strengthen and energise efforts towards achieving self-reliance and self-sufficiency at the national level in food production.
"We also express our serious concern at the growing challenges to food security at national, regional and global levels. Accordingly, we underscore the need for the D-8 Member States to develop strategies towards promoting sustainable agricultural growth, through creating an enabling environment that encourages increased public and private investment in agriculture and agro based industry as well as through raising productivity in agriculture. We also express our determination to ensure fair and open market for agriculture products with a view to promoting better access to food.
"We urge member states to exert every effort to enhance industrial co-operation through the development of joint venture as outlined in the D-8 Roadmap (2008-2018) as well as strengthen efforts towards achieving self reliance and sufficiency in food production.
"We also considered the final report of the 3rd Meeting of Industry Ministers held in Dhaka in October 2012 and express satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting. We urge the Member States to exert every effort to enhance and institutionalise industrial co-operation within the D-8 community, through development of joint projects for realisation of the previously agreed objectives, particularly in the D-8 Roadmap (2008-2018).
"We commend Pakistan for choosing 'Democratic Partnership for Peace & Prosperity' as the theme of the Eighth D-8 Summit as well as for organising the D-8 Business Forum, Meeting of D-8 Central Banks Governors, First Meeting of Heads of Trade Promotion Organisations, Trade Exhibition and Interactive Seminar on "Exploring Trade Opportunities Among the D-8 Countries" on the margins of the Summit.
"We welcome and express appreciation for the ratification of the D-8 Headquarters Agreement by the Parliament of the Republic of Turkey. We extend our appreciation to the Government of Turkey for providing new premises for the D-8 Secretariat Headquarters.
"We commend the Commission for finalising the draft Charter and assistance provided by the Secretariat. We remain confident that member states will ratify the Charter in the near future, providing institutional strength to the Organisation and its activities.
"We express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the Commission for the preparation of D-8 Global Vision and to the Council for its approval which will help in guiding the work and activities of the Organisation in the coming years for the member states to confront emerging challenges.
"We acknowledge the commendable work done by the D-8 Secretariat, and recognise and express our gratitude for the meritorious service of Dr Widi Agoes Pratikto as the outgoing Secretary-General of D-8. We welcome the appointment of Dr Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi as the new D-8 Secretary-General and wish him success in his efforts.
"We welcome the appointment of a Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the D-8 Organisation in Istanbul, and encourage other member states to follow suit. "We endorse the Report of the 15th Session of D-8 Council of Ministers, including the Calendar of Events for the Year 2013, as recommended by the Commission, as well as the Reports of the 2nd Meeting of the Central Bank Governors, First Meeting of Heads of Trade Promotion Organisations and D-8 Business Forum.
"We express profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for his exemplary leadership and untiring efforts in promoting the D-8 objectives during his chairmanship of the Organisation.
"We express profound appreciation to His Excellency Mr Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Government, and the People of Pakistan for hosting the Eighth D-8 Summit and for their warm and generous hospitality. We wish His Excellency, the President, every success during Pakistan's chairmanship of the Organisation and declare our unflinching support to His Excellency in this regard. "We warmly welcome the gracious offer of the Government of the Republic of Turkey to host the Ninth D-8 Summit in 2014."