Kuala Lumpur  - Leaders from the Group of Eight developing Islamic countries, or D8, on Thursday gathered to discuss solutions to avert a possible shortage of food caused by the current global economic crisis.

Agriculture ministers and business officials kicked off the two-day meeting in Kuala Lumpur to discuss food cooperation agreements between member countries and tackle potential problems in supply and prices.

"Our meeting today is important and necessary because our 930 million people need enough food in good quality and at affordable prices," the group's secretary general, Dipo Alam, said at the opening ceremony.

The meeting was expected to end Friday with the adoption of several initiatives to address food security issues affecting the D8 members: Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria and Turkey.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said food security was crucial for both domestic and regional stability, adding that he hoped member states would be able to forge closer networks or cooperation in the agriculture industry.

"By sharing our experience in dealing with food security issues in our respective countries and promoting joint venture projects, it will further strengthen our economies and make us more resilient in facing food security challenges," he said.

The D8 was first formed in 1997 as a means to enhance economic cooperation between member states. (dpa)