Islamabad is hosting the 30th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Council of Ministers from Sunday for two days. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will chair the ministerial gathering.
Foreign ministers and delegation heads from ECO member states are expected to participate. Representatives from the organisation’s secretariat and subsidiary bodies will also attend.
According to the Foreign Office, the meeting will provide an opportunity to review regional cooperation and discuss shared economic priorities. Pakistan aims to strengthen connectivity, expand partnerships and promote sustainable development during its ECO chairmanship.
Senior Officials to Finalise Agenda Before Ministerial Meeting
The ministerial session will follow a meeting of senior officials representing ECO member countries. These officials will review the organisation’s ongoing activities and programmes before the main discussions.
They will also assess the performance of ECO subsidiary bodies and examine their progress. Furthermore, the officials will finalise the meeting’s agenda and prepare draft outcome documents for consideration by the ministers.
The discussions will help establish the priorities and proposed outcomes for the two-day ministerial gathering.
Pakistan Sets Regional Cooperation Theme for 2026-27
Pakistan currently holds the ECO chairmanship for 2026-27 and plans to advance the organisation’s objectives under the theme “Reviving Regionalism for a Resilient ECO”.
The country’s agenda places particular emphasis on stronger regional connectivity and economic integration. Moreover, Pakistan intends to deepen partnerships and encourage collective efforts towards economic prosperity.
The Foreign Office said the chairmanship would provide an opportunity to strengthen ECO’s position as a platform for regional dialogue and economic collaboration.
Pakistan also aims to develop its position as a regional connectivity hub. This includes facilitating logistics networks, improving supply chains and shaping discussions on regional trade.
According to the Foreign Office, these initiatives could help unlock the region’s economic potential. They also aim to turn regional cooperation into practical benefits for people across ECO member countries.
Ishaq Dar Welcomes Delegates Arriving in Islamabad
Ahead of the meeting, Ishaq Dar welcomed foreign delegates travelling to Pakistan for the ministerial gathering.
In a post on X, the deputy prime minister expressed hope for productive discussions and stronger cooperation among participating countries.
“I look forward to productive deliberations as we work together to strengthen regional cooperation and advance our shared priorities. Wishing all delegates a productive and memorable stay in Islamabad,” he said.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Tahsin Ertugruloglu arrived in Islamabad to participate in the meeting. Officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs received him at the airport.
Pakistan Emphasises Preparations for ECO Ministerial Gathering
Preparations for the meeting have remained a priority for Pakistani authorities ahead of the ministerial discussions.
Last month, Ishaq Dar directed relevant officials to ensure timely arrangements and effective coordination for the event. He also highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to the regional organisation.
The two-day meeting will bring ECO representatives together to discuss regional priorities, economic cooperation and connectivity. Furthermore, Pakistan’s 2026-27 chairmanship provides an opportunity to advance its proposed agenda for stronger regional integration.
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