WANA (Dec 09) – The Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Asad Majeed Khan, announced that comprehensive reforms to enhance the organization’s regional effectiveness were emphasized during the 28th ECO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Mashhad.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Khan proposed holding the next ECO Summit in July 2025. Additionally, the ECO Secretariat was tasked with drafting a 5-10-year actionable roadmap aligned with the organization’s updated goals.

 

Tourism and Regional Cooperation

Tourism development was a key topic of discussion as part of the efforts to boost tourism among member states, a dedicated tourism website and a YouTube channel were launched during the Mashhad meeting.

 

Khan stressed the need for ECO to become a regional and international tourism hub as a precursor to broader economic cooperation. To facilitate this, discussions on visa waivers among member states are underway, with bilateral negotiations to ease visa processes already in progress.

 

Afghanistan: A Focus of Support

Khan highlighted the ECO’s ongoing commitment to supporting Afghanistan, including a special program dedicated to the country. During the meeting, foreign ministers emphasized the importance of sustainable development in Afghanistan and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches its intended recipients.

 

Addressing Afghanistan’s absence from the Mashhad meeting, Khan stated that the ECO’s approach to Afghanistan aligns with the international community’s stance. The ministers also discussed maintaining a unified approach towards future collaboration with Afghanistan.

 

The Mashhad meeting also underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and supported Palestine’s bid for United Nations membership.

 

Furthermore, the meeting condemned unilateral U.S. sanctions imposed on some member states, describing such measures as violations of international principles.

Iran Calls for Stronger Economic Cooperation at ECO Summit

WANA (Dec 03) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stressed the need to strengthen the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and expand economic partnerships during the 28th ECO Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Mashhad on Tuesday.   Araghchi stated that Iran, as the rotating chair of ECO over the past year, has actively worked […]

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