ECO summit to be held in Islamabad: Sartaj Aziz

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ISLAMABAD: Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz announced that the 13th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will be held in Islamabad on March 1.

“Connectivity for regional prosperity is the theme of the ECO Summit,” said Aziz adding that the forum will be helpful in deciding on ways to increase cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, tourism, economic growth, and productivity among other things.

Most member states have confirmed their participation in the Summit.

The adviser said initiatives for educational, scientific exchange, and cultural exchange within the ECO will also be discussed during the Summit.

“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an outstanding example of the Summit's theme of connectivity. It will augment the existing and planned transit and energy corridors in ECO region for greater progress and prosperity for the people of the area,” said Aziz.

The ECO Vision 2025 is expected to be formulated and adopted during the Summit.

The summit is aimed at reviewing the ECO’s state of affairs, in the light of changing global and regional circumstances. Member states are expected to decide on ways to expand regional economic cooperation.

The ECO was formed in 1985 by Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, and now also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, for a total of 10 member states.