Sartaj Aziz calls for smooth trade among ECO countries

ISLAMABAD: The obstacles must be removed in trade among members countries of Economic Cooperation Organization, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday.

He was speaking at the 13th summit of ECO, where foreign ministers of different countries were in attendance.

"We are determined to work on areas of mutual interest," he said.

Also present on the occasion, Iranian Foreign Minister Muhammad Javad Zarif said his country is determined to cooperate to achieve the goals of ECO.

While addressing the participants, ECO Secretary General Halil Ibrahim said the member countries altogether produce crops of over $1 trillion. "Projects are under way for food security in the region."

Moreover, he added, the organisation was working with United Nations to boost tourism in the region.

The main session of the summit will be held on March 1 (tomorrow).

In the summit presidents of five countries, prime ministers of three countries, a vice prime minister, and ambassador for Afghanistan in Pakistan, are participating.

ECO comprises countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Turkey.