Iran Seeks Regional Cohesion as Leader Attends ECO Summit in Azerbaijan
Masoud Pezeshkian has embarked on a visit to Azerbaijan to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), underlining Iran's dedication to enhancing regional cooperation and stability.
Pezeshkian arrived at Fuzuli International Airport on Friday, greeted by an official welcome and an honor guard. Subsequently, he traveled to Khankendi, the designated host city for this year’s summit, set to take place from June 3 to June 4.
The Iranian president, at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, is set to deliver a keynote address and engage in bilateral discussions with various other heads of state participating in the summit.
The summit convenes leaders from various ECO member states, featuring Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov.
The organization continues its strategic efforts to enhance economic, technical, and cultural collaboration throughout Central Asia, South Asia, the Caucasus, and West Asia through a series of high-level discussions.
Addressing an audience at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, Pezeshkian underscored the critical significance of enhancing ties among the nations in the region.
He conveyed optimism that his visit would strengthen political engagements and foster regional peace and stability, while also promoting cooperation among neighboring countries.
He stated that increasing coordination and cooperation among regional countries would diminish the ambitions of adversaries seeking to create instability.
Established in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has grown to embrace Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It now plays a critical role as a platform for regional economic collaboration and integration.
The 17th summit centers on the theme, “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”
According to a statement on its website, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has announced plans for an event in Khankendi that will bring together the organization’s heads of state and government, ministers, observers, special guests from non-member countries, and leaders of international organizations. The gathering aims to foster development and prosperity through economic integration.
The summit will also include a “dynamic and inclusive ECO Week,” which will take place in various cities across Azerbaijan, it was announced.
The 16th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) convened in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in November 2023.
