D-8 Secretary General Hails Ayatollah Khamenei As A Leader of Exceptional Courage and Wisdom
Sohail Mahmood, who was attending the farewell tribute ceremony for the martyred Leader, in an exclusive interview with IQNA highlighted Iran's longstanding role in promoting regional cooperation and economic development.
Mahmood noted that the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, established in 1997, includes Iran among its founding members alongside Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Egypt, and most recently the Republic of Azerbaijan. He said the organization represents a population of approximately 1.28 billion people and a combined GDP of more than five trillion US dollars, adding that Iran has played a significant role in the success of the D-8's initiatives.
Recalling a previous meeting with the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei as part of a high-level delegation, Mahmood described him as an outstanding religious figure and a leader of exceptional courage and wisdom. He said the late Leader not only guided the Iranian nation but also made a major contribution to efforts aimed at promoting peace, progress, and prosperity.
Expressing condolences to the martyred Leader's family and the Iranian people, Mahmood said he prayed for the continued success of Iran's leadership in safeguarding the country's interests, upholding dignity and promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.
Responding to a question about the late Leader's role in regional cooperation and relations with neighboring countries, Mahmood recalled the late Ayatollah Khamenei's visit to Pakistan during his presidency in the 1980s. He said the Leader consistently emphasized solidarity among Muslim nations and the importance of close, brotherly relations with neighboring countries.
Mahmood added that the martyred Leader's emphasis on unity and cooperation contributed significantly to expanding regional economic cooperation, leading to greater prosperity among neighboring countries.
He concluded by saying that the messages of solidarity, support for oppressed peoples, and stronger cooperation among Islamic nations remain essential for Iran, Pakistan, the D-8 member states, and the wider region.
