D-8 nations to meet virtually on April 16, impact of Covid-19 on agenda

D-8 nations -- Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey -- are scheduled to virtually meet on April 16 for a discussion on the novel coronavirus outbreak and to heighten cooperation between the nations.

The Health and Social Protection Programme (D-8 HSP) will focus on better cooperation in reducing the impact of Covid-19, according to a foreign ministry statement issued today.

The Bangladesh delegation will be led by officials from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and allied institutions who are part of the national Covid-19 response.

The D8 HSP Virtual Meeting will be supported by global health experts from observer and partner organisations like Chatham House, WHO, ILO, IDB, Global Women Leaders in Health and CHESTRAD International.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has written a letter to Turkish Foreign Minister to explore options on how the bloc could activate the D-8 HSP window to support each other during this crisis.

Turkey is the current Chair of D-8.

He also proposed to postpone the D8 Summit, which was scheduled to take place in Bangladesh at the end of May 2020.