Representatives of Islamic countries came together in the 25th Anniversary program of D-8, which was organized in the historical Çırağan Palace. The program started with the opening speech of Mustafa Kaya, Deputy Chairman of Saadet Party for Foreign Relations.
“D-8 IS THE RESULT OF OUR ERBAKAN HODJA'S BROAD VISION”
Saadet Party Chairman Temel Karamollaoğlu, in his speech in the program, "We came together on the anniversary of a historical day and again in a historical place. On June 15, 1997, the heads of state and government of 8 member countries came together in Istanbul and announced the establishment of the D-8s from there to the whole world. Today we are together for the 25th anniversary of this important event, this historic signing," he said.
Karamollaoglu speaking about D-8, "Of course, in a place where we talk about D-8s, we should open a special topic for one of these leaders, Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan. Because the D-8s are the only global organization that the Islamic world has put forth concretely, after the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Again, for the Islamic world, it is one of the most important foreign policy moves of the century we are in. Undoubtedly, the greatest effort and share in the realization of this formation belongs to the late Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan. The establishment of D8s would not have been possible without the broad vision and foresight of our Professor Erbakan Hodja. On this occasion, I once again commemorate him with mercy and with gratitude," he added.
“D-8 IS NOT JUST AN ECONOMIC ORGANIZATION”
"I would like to express with regret that this potential has not been used correctly and efficiently, despite the quarter-century that has passed since its establishment. If the excitement, perseverance and determination displayed during the establishment of the D-8s could have been demonstrated as they should have been during the past 25 years; Both the Islamic world and the world would be very, very different today. Today, we all have greater responsibilities to make up for this lost time and opportunity. We no longer have a single minute to lose. Our responsibilities are heavy, but the opportunities we have are also great in proportion. As long as we can use these opportunities and potentials effectively. See; The D-8s are not just an economic organization. At the same time; It is a strategic organization extending from Asia to Africa, from Africa to Europe. It is located on a wide geography from Nigeria to Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey to Iran, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh. These geographies are above the energy production areas, transportation and transmission roads. It has a very important geostrategic location from the Bosphorus to the Dardanelles, from the Suez Canal to the Gulf of Aden, from the Strait of Hormuz to the Persian Gulf. It contains all kinds of underground and aboveground wealth, especially oil and natural gas. But the most important of all is human resource. D-8 countries have a magnificent power with a population of over 1 billion, an economy approaching 4 trillion dollars, and a geography exceeding 7.5 million square meters," Karamollaoglu said.
“IT IS EASY TO START WAR, DIFFICULT TO END IT”
11th President Abdullah Gül, in his speech at the 25th Anniversary of the D-8, emphasized that wars and crises are constantly being talked about, and said that the world is in a chaotic structure.
"Wherever we look, the world is in pessimism and despair. In such an environment, why are these sufferings suffered, why can't they get rid of them? There are millions of people who are starving and worry about hunger. Why would there be wars in such an environment? War is a very serious thing. It is something that devastates families that leave behind hundreds of thousands of orphans and widows. Starting a war is easy, ending it is quite difficult. Especially if you open the beginning with courage and excitement, the future will be more difficult," Gül said.
“ERBAKAN HODJA REVEALED PRINCIPLES LIKE PEACE NOT WAR”
Talking about the brutality of the war, 11th President Abdullah Gül, "Soldiers and diplomats know the brutality of war very well. Because diplomacy is based on facts, reality. There is realism, analysis, determination in diplomacy. For this reason, our teacher Erbakan founded D-8, thinking about how to stay away from fights and wars. He revealed principles such as peace, not war, no one being superior to anyone, equality," he added.
“D-8 IS VALUABLE TO 7 BILLION HUMANITY”
Recai Kutan, Chairman of ESAM and founding Chairman of Saadet Party, in the telegram he sent to the program, "Exactly 25 years ago, on June 15, 1997, on June 15, 1997, the heads of state/government of Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkey came together with the devoted efforts of Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan, despite all the difficulties. signed the D-8 agreement, the most precious gift of the 21st century to the 21st century. When D-8 is examined carefully, it will be seen that; such an organization has a great importance in the development of all member countries and all developing countries in the world, and in the realization of the aspiration for a New World, in terms of its determined principles and objectives. Therefore, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the official establishment of the D-8 is valuable not only for the 8 member states with a population of approximately 1 billion, but also for the humanity of 7 billion," he said.
“OUR PRIORITY IN FOREIGN POLICY SHOULD BE D-8”
Mohammad Farazmand, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Ankara, "We think the D8 has tremendous potential. We have to maintain this dynamism. We should make this a priority in our foreign policies. We must prioritize them in all areas, from trade to food security. I would like to state that as Iran, we support the steps to be taken in every field that will increase cooperation. Thank you to the Saadet Party," he said.