BAKU: The Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation has adopted the Baku Declaration on Energy Cooperation, marking a major step toward deeper regional collaboration in the energy sector, according to Beyond Time News.
The declaration was approved during the first-ever D-8 Energy Ministers’ Meeting held in Baku on the sidelines of Baku Energy Week. Ministers and senior officials from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Malaysia participated in the meeting.
Commitment to Enhanced Energy Collaboration
The discussions centered on strengthening cooperation in energy security, hydrocarbons, renewable energy, energy transition, and cross-border energy connectivity.
Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, who chaired the meeting, stressed the importance of closer cooperation to address global energy challenges and support sustainable economic growth across member states.
D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood called the meeting a significant milestone, noting that energy remains a key pillar of the organization’s long-term cooperation agenda.
Baku Declaration Defines Priority Areas
The Baku Declaration outlines a shared framework for long-term energy cooperation and identifies key areas of focus, including:
- Renewable and clean energy development
- Cross-border energy infrastructure and connectivity
- Cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector
- Investment promotion and private-sector engagement
- Technology transfer and innovation
- Capacity building and technical cooperation
- Institutional coordination and policy implementation
The declaration also emphasizes the need for stable, secure, and predictable energy markets among member countries.
Azerbaijan’s Proposal for Energy and Climate Center
A major highlight of the meeting was Azerbaijan’s proposal to establish a D-8 Energy and Climate Center in Baku.
Member states welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to support research, investment facilitation, project development, and knowledge-sharing in the energy and climate fields.
New Coordination Mechanism Agreed
The ministers also agreed to form a D-8 Energy Senior Officials Group to oversee implementation of decisions and strengthen coordination among member states.
The mechanism is expected to improve follow-up on agreed initiatives and ensure practical progress on joint energy projects.
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Balanced Approach to Energy Transition
Participants emphasized the need for a balanced energy transition that supports environmental sustainability while ensuring energy security, affordability, and economic stability.
They also highlighted the strategic importance of D-8 countries as a bridge between major energy-producing regions and global markets.
Outlook
The adoption of the Baku Declaration marks the beginning of a more coordinated and structured phase of energy cooperation within the D-8 bloc. Officials expressed confidence that the initiative will enhance regional partnerships, attract investment, and support long-term sustainable development across member states.
