TEHRAN, JUL 8 /DNA/ – The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), H.E. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, concluded a two-day official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran from 2 to 4 July 2026. The visit, which included participation in the official ‘Farewell and Tribute Ceremony’ held in honor of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, underscored the deep bonds of solidarity between the D-8 Secretariat and the people of Iran.
Accompanied by Mr. Muhammad Bilal Khan, Executive Assistant, the Secretary-General conveyed profound condolences on behalf of the D-8 Organization to Iran’s leadership, government, and citizens. During the solemn ceremony organized for foreign dignitaries, Ambassador Mahmood offered prayers for the departed soul and signed the official Condolence Book, expressing support for the bereaved family and the Iranian nation.
During his stay in Tehran, Secretary-General Mahmood held a key bilateral meeting with H.E. Foreign Minister Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The discussions centered on the long-standing partnership between Iran and the D-8 Secretariat, regional geopolitical developments, and the organization’s evolving strategic priorities.
The Secretary-General apprised Foreign Minister Araghchi of recent advancements across various D-8 cooperation tracks, highlighting the organization’s current profile and future trajectory. He reaffirmed the D-8’s solidarity with Iran and extended best wishes for the nation’s pursuit of durable peace, progress, and prosperity.
Foreign Minister Araghchi thanked the Secretary-General for his participation in the tribute ceremony and reiterated Iran’s strong national resolve and commitment to peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He emphasized the need for enhanced economic cooperation in light of the transformed regional landscape and reaffirmed Iran’s steadfast dedication as a founding member of the D-8, pledging continued contributions to the organization’s broad cooperation agenda.
The two sides exchanged views on harnessing new opportunities for increased trade, investment, energy cooperation, and hard and soft connectivity arising from ongoing regional transformations.
In addition to the meeting with the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mahmood held substantive interactions with H.E. Deputy Foreign Minister and President of the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), Dr. Saeed Khatibzadeh, and Iran’s D-8 Commissioner, Ambassador Alireza Tootoonchian. These discussions focused on deepening policy dialogue, advancing priority areas under the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030, and strengthening the organization’s institutional capacity, effectiveness, and global visibility.
Throughout his engagements, Secretary-General Mahmood emphasized that the D-8 is entering a new phase of strategic transformation, centered on closer economic integration, trade and investment promotion, industrial cooperation, innovation, technology, energy security, sustainable development, and people-centered growth. He underscored that Iran’s industrial capabilities, technological expertise, manufacturing capacity, and strategic geographic position would remain invaluable in advancing the collective vision and objectives of the D-8.
The official visit served to further reinforce the partnership between the D-8 Secretariat and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Both sides expressed shared determination to support the organization’s capacity-building through enhanced human and financial resources, deeper economic integration across the D-8 geography, and increased international awareness as the D-8 prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of its inception in 1997.
