ISTANBUL: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday received courtesy calls from his Lebanese counterpart Dr Tarek Mitri and the Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation secretary-general Sohail Mahmood.
Zahid said his discussion with Mitri focused on security developments in Lebanon and post-conflict recovery efforts to help its people rebuild their lives.
“We also discussed potential cooperation in infrastructure reconstruction and community economic development, humanitarian assistance, technical and vocational education and training, as well as defence to strengthen Lebanon’s capabilities and resilience,” he said in a statement.
The courtesy calls took place on the sidelines of the 2026 TRT World Forum at the Istanbul Congress Centre.
Zahid said Malaysia and Lebanon share close, friendly ties, particularly through the deployment of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon since 2007.
He said the contribution of Malaysian peacekeepers reflected the country’s continued commitment to peace and stability in southern Lebanon.
“I believe the commitment between both countries should extend beyond peacekeeping operations through cooperation that provides moral support and creates economic opportunities for the well-being of the Lebanese people,” he said.
On the meeting with Sohail, Zahid said they exchanged views on the grouping’s role in strengthening economic cooperation amid global challenges affecting its member states.
He said Malaysia saw the importance of continuing to use the D-8 platform to strengthen ties among friendly nations, widen cooperation and build collective economic resilience.
The D-8 was established in 1997 to enhance economic cooperation among developing countries. Its members are Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Egypt and Nigeria.
Zahid said both meetings reflected Malaysia’s commitment to active and constructive international engagement.
“Malaysia will continue to prioritise dialogue, understanding and practical cooperation in supporting peace and shared prosperity,” he said.
Zahid is in Türkiye for a four-day working visit in conjunction with the 2026 TRT World Forum.