Charting New Steps for Regional Cooperation

Tehran (IP) - From February 24 to 27 in Tehran, top officials from ECO member states have gathered for the 35th meeting of the ECO Planning Council to review and approve the organization’s work program for 2025.

Why it matters:

This pivotal meeting serves as a key decision-making forum that shapes the economic and cultural ties among ECO members. With heightened activity in recent months, the summit could mark a turning point for regional cooperation.

 

The big picture:

Founded in 1964 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, ECO has grown to include 10 member countries, aiming to bolster economic and cultural collaboration across the region. The annual meetings provide a crucial opportunity for dialogue, planning, and future strategy development.

 

What he’s saying:

ECO Secretary-General Asad Majid Khan emphasized the meeting’s significance, highlighting its role in planning ECO’s activities for 2025. He noted that the summit is just the beginning of a series of critical gatherings addressing trade, tourism, investment, and sustainable development.

 

Key points:

  • The summit sets the stage for future meetings, including the 17th ECO summit scheduled for July 2025 in Azerbaijan.

 

Go deeper:

The ECO Secretariat’s commitment to expanding regional collaboration underscores the members’ determination to advance common goals in an increasingly interconnected world.

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