Iran played an active role in the 51st Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, held in Baku (from June 16 to 19) under the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity.” The event brought together more than 2,000 participants from 57 member countries and focused on regional integration, green growth, food security, energy, Islamic finance innovation, and South-South partnerships.
The Iranian delegation was led by Mahdi Heidari, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and President of the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran. On the sidelines of the meeting, he held a series of bilateral discussions with senior IsDB officials and representatives of neighboring countries.
During talks with the President of IsDB Group, both sides emphasized strengthening their long-term partnership, resolving outstanding financial issues, expanding development cooperation, and finalizing financial commitments. A practical framework was also established to advance these objectives and facilitate future collaboration.
Meetings with Azerbaijani officials focused on investment, trade, transportation, transit, energy cooperation, and financial partnerships. Both sides underscored the importance of deepening economic ties and increasing bilateral exchanges. Discussions with Azerbaijan’s Export and Investment Promotion Agency also explored opportunities for attracting foreign investment and launching joint projects.
In talks with Pakistani economic officials, the two sides highlighted the strategic nature of bilateral relations and discussed banking infrastructure as a key prerequisite for expanding economic cooperation. Iran also expressed its readiness to provide sovereign guarantees for selected joint development projects.
Iran has been a member of IsDB since 1989 and has consistently participated in its annual meetings. To date, the Bank has financed more than 425 projects in Iran, primarily in water supply, wastewater management, healthcare, and knowledge-based industries.
Iran’s active engagement at the annual meeting carried significant strategic value. It helped advance the resolution of financial matters, create opportunities for new development projects, strengthen relations with neighboring countries, attract financial and technical resources, promote priority projects in water, healthcare, green energy, and innovation, and further enhance the country’s economic diplomacy efforts.
Iran's continued cooperation with IsDB offers a practical way to leverage its shareholder status for development benefits and sustainable economic growth.