Erdogan urges embargo, trade halt, and isolation to stop Israeli aggression

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for imposing an arms embargo on Israel, ending trade with the country, and isolating it internationally.

Speaking at the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) summit in Cairo on Thursday, Erdogan described these measures as crucial steps to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the region.

"We see Israel's steps that disregard Syria's territorial integrity, including the expansion of illegal settlements in the Golan Heights," he said.


The Turkish president also called for a more coordinated response from Islamic countries, especially members of the D-8.


"As Islamic countries, we must lead steps that can be taken against Israel," Erdogan said.

The president emphasised that such a united stance is vital for regional stability and pursuing a peace in the Middle East. 


"I believe the D-8 must respond more strongly to the lawlessness threatening Syria's stability and our region," he added.


The D-8 summit in Cairo

Turkish President Erdogan attended the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) summit in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Upon his arrival at the summit venue on Thursday, President Erdogan was welcomed by President Abdel Fattah el Sisi of Egypt. After posing for a family photo, President Erdogan proceeded to the summit.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, and Presidential Adviser on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Cagatay Kilic have also traveled to Cairo to attend the summit.

The summit, expected to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation between member states, among other issues, will also feature a special session on Palestine and Lebanon.

The D-8 was founded in 1997 in Türkiye to strengthen economic and social ties.

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry highlighted the significance of the D-8 summit, which includes Türkiye, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Regional challenges

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty participated in the 21st Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, which is part of preparations for the 11th summit of the organisation. The meeting focused on global and regional issues, with Egypt taking over the group's presidency from Bangladesh.

“The timing of the summit is crucial, coinciding with regional and international pressures and unprecedented economic challenges,” Abdelatty said.

He also underscored the direct impact of these events on developing countries, particularly the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and its devastating consequences, including infrastructure destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe.

He pointed to Israel’s actions in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, stressing that these violations of international law prompted Egypt to propose a dedicated session on Palestine and Lebanon during the summit.

The Egyptian minister also emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation within the group’s sectors, exploring new opportunities for economic and trade collaboration, boosting private sector participation, attracting investment and fostering youth engagement.

Meeting of Foreign Ministers

Earlier Wednesday, the 21st Council of Foreign Ministers meeting was held in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, with Abdelatty presiding over the discussions. The meeting included Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

It was preceded by discussions among D-8 commissioners in Cairo earlier this week in preparation for the summit.

The summit, scheduled for Thursday, will be held under the theme "Investing in Youth and Supporting Small Medium Enterprises, Shaping Tomorrow's Economy.”