Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan, 18 June 2026 – On the third day of the ongoing 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings in Baku, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the IsDB Group, held a series of bilateral meetings with IsDB Governors for Qatar, Syria, and Nigeria, reaffirming the Group’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting sustainable development across its member countries.

Discussions with H.E. Mr. Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance and IsDB Governor for the State of Qatar, focused on reviewing the progress of the Country Engagement Framework 2024–2028. The exchange highlighted the strong strategic partnership between Qatar and the IsDB Group and explored ways to further advance shared development objectives. Both sides emphasized the importance of collective efforts to support social and economic development across member countries, particularly the least developed among them, while underscoring the significant contribution of Qatar’s development institutions and funds to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Dr. Al Jasser also held talks with H.E. Mr. Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance and IsDB Governor for the Syrian Arab Republic, focusing on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in support of Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. He reaffirmed the IsDB Group’s commitment to supporting Syria through technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and targeted development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, promoting economic empowerment, and enhancing skills development. Both sides stressed the importance of sustained collaboration to accelerate recovery efforts and improve the well-being of the Syrian people.

In a separate meeting with H.E. Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and IsDB Governor for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, discussions centered on further deepening the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the IsDB Group. The two sides reviewed cooperation under the Country Engagement Framework 2026–2028 and explored opportunities to further support Nigeria’s development priorities, particularly in infrastructure, private sector development, Islamic finance, and economic diversification. Discussions also built on the momentum generated by the recent IsDB Group Day in Lagos, reaffirming the shared commitment to delivering impactful and sustainable development outcomes.

Across all meetings, there was a shared emphasis on the importance of enhanced cooperation, targeted investments, and coordinated action to address development challenges and unlock opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth throughout the IsDB membership.