Officials from the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) member states began a key preparatory meeting in Islamabad on Sunday, November 15, to finalise the agenda for the upcoming meeting of the organisation’s foreign ministers.
The meeting of ECO secretaries and focal representatives is expected to prepare the groundwork for discussions on regional economic cooperation, trade expansion and stronger connectivity among member countries. A major focus will be improving links between Central Asian countries and international markets.
ECO Officials Prepare for Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
According to diplomatic sources, the secretaries and focal representatives are working on the agenda for the foreign ministers’ gathering scheduled for Monday in Islamabad.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to attend the high-level meeting. However, diplomatic sources said Afghanistan’s foreign minister had not been invited to participate.
Regional Trade and Connectivity on the Agenda
The upcoming discussions are expected to cover several areas of regional cooperation, including expanding trade, improving transport networks and strengthening collaboration in the energy sector.
ECO member states are also expected to explore ways to develop trade routes and improve Central Asian countries’ access to international markets. Better transport and commercial links could support greater movement of goods and expand economic opportunities across the region.
Focus on Economic Cooperation Among Member States
Regional connectivity is expected to remain a central theme of the Islamabad meetings as member countries seek to strengthen economic partnerships and make better use of their geographical positions.
The Economic Cooperation Organisation provides a platform for member states to coordinate policies and pursue shared economic interests in areas such as trade, transportation and energy.
The foreign ministers’ meeting on Monday is expected to build on the preparatory discussions and identify potential areas for closer cooperation among ECO members.
