Malaysia supports outcome document of D-8 Summit in Cairo: Head of delegation

Amr Yehia , Wednesday 18 Dec 2024

Zambry Abdul Kadir, minister of high education in Malaysia and head of the Malaysian delegation at the D-8 Summit, stated that his country supports the Cairo Declaration, the outcome document of the 11th D-8 Summit, held under the theme “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy.”

File Photo: Zambry Abdul Kadir, minister of high education in Malaysia and Head of Malaysia delegation.

This came at the ministerial council meeting, where he said that this declaration is a testament to Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth as future leaders and catalysts for sustainable economic growth.

He added that it highlights the efforts dedicated to equipping the youth with the skills and opportunities needed for success through effective government policies, entrepreneurial and start-up programmes, and targeted incentives for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“In line with the theme of this summit, higher education institutions play a pivotal role in providing opportunities and empowering our youth. The Ministry of Higher Education invites all D-8 Member States to participate in Malaysia's Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT),” he noted.

He stressed that this academy serves as an academic platform for senior and mid-management to foster leadership development capacity building and enhance managerial skills among young academics, student leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs.

Abdul Kadir extended his appreciation to Egypt’s government for its hospitality and arrangements made for the Malaysian delegation, assuming the chairmanship for the 2024-2025 term.

Meanwhile, he appreciated Bangladesh’s leadership and dedication during the previous term.

“Malaysia is pleased to welcome the Republic of Azerbaijan as the latest member of the D-8 Organization. We believe including the Republic of Azerbaijan in D-8 will enrich our economic and trade cooperation,” Abdul Kadir added.

He expressed Malaysia’s appreciation to the Egyptian government for convening the Special Session on the Situation in Palestine and Lebanon. He highlighted his country’s support for adopting the joint communique to expeditiously solve “the precarious situation in Palestine, Lebanon, and neighbouring countries as the arrival of winter will further aggravate the dire situation” of the war-stricken people.