Prime Minister Sharif Embarks on Azerbaijan Visit for ECO Summit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Azerbaijan on Thursday to participate in the 17th ECO Summit, a two-day event centered on the theme of “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.” The summit will take place in Khankendi.

As the head of Pakistan’s delegation, PM Shehbaz is slated to articulate Pakistan’s stance on significant regional and global issues. He will also reiterate the nation’s dedication to the ECO Vision 2025.

In addition to championing greater trade within the region, improved transport infrastructure, energy cooperation, and sustainable advancement, the Prime Minister is scheduled to conduct bilateral discussions with other leaders present at the Summit, addressing topics of shared concern.

Notably, Pakistan is a founding member of the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), which originated in 1964 alongside Iran and Turkiye. This organization was later renamed ECO in 1985.

Comprising 10 member states, the ECO region boasts a trade volume of $76 billion, establishing it as a pivotal regional platform. It aims to stimulate trade and investment by creating connections between the north and south, south and east, Asia and Europe, and Eurasia and the Arab world.

Over the past few years, the organisation has grown into a key avenue for “economic diplomacy and activism”.

Pakistan previously hosted the 13th ECO summit in 2017. During that summit, the heads of state/governments of the member nations endorsed and embraced the ECO Vision – 2025.