Report: Iranian president to attend Cairo summit to discuss Syria, Gaza

Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian is set to visit Cairo on Thursday to attend the summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) group of nations, Qatari newspaper The New Arab reported Monday, citing Iranian sources.

According to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will arrive in Cairo on Wednesday for the D-8 foreign ministers’ meeting. 

The two Iranian officials are expected to hold talks with senior Egyptian officials on reviving diplomatic ties and discussing the situations in Gaza and Syria.

The D-8, or Developing-8, is an organization established in 1997 to promote economic cooperation among eight developing countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. The group's objectives include improving member states' positions in the global economy, diversifying trade relations, enhancing participation in international decision-making, and elevating living standards.

In preparation for the summit, Egypt has extended invitations to various leaders. For instance, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh received an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to attend the summit. 

During the meeting, discussions highlighted the participation of heads of state from countries including Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Additionally, a significant sideline meeting is planned to address support for Palestinians amid ongoing regional tensions.

The upcoming summit is expected to focus on enhancing economic collaboration among member states, addressing contemporary global challenges, and exploring avenues for sustainable development. 

Given the current geopolitical climate, particularly in the Middle East, discussions may also encompass strategies for regional stability and collective responses to emerging issues.