ISTANBUL

Sohail Mahmood, secretary-general of the Developing Eight (D‑8) Organization for Economic Cooperation, has held a series of high-level meetings while attending the International Strategic Communication (Stratcom) Summit 2026.

According to a statement released by the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation on Sunday, Mahmood participated in the STRATCOM Summit organized by the Turkish Communications Directorate on March 27-28 in Istanbul.

During the summit, Mahmood attended several panels and met with Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.

During the meeting with Duran, Mahmood emphasized the importance of the discussions held at the summit aimed at addressing global challenges.

He also noted that the D-8 Organization and the Communications Directorate should explore ways to enhance cooperation in the strategic communication and public diplomacy fields.

Mahmood also met with Bangladesh’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting Zahir Uddin Swapon and discussed strengthening media cooperation among D-8 member countries.

During the meeting, Mahmood highlighted the importance of media in increasing the organization’s visibility and outreach both regionally and globally.

Meeting with Azerbaijan Media Development Agency's chair

The D-8 secretary-general also held talks with Ahmad Ismayilov, chairman of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency.

During the meeting, Mahmood reviewed efforts to establish a planned Media Center of Excellence in Azerbaijan under the D-8 framework.

Mahmood further underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation among media organizations, news agencies, and communication platforms across D-8 member states, stressing that stronger collaboration would help improve information exchange and institutional capacity throughout the organization.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Demir