ECO sets example of regional cooperation: PM

ISLAMABAD: The 13th summit of Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) concluded on Wednesday with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his concluding remarks said that Pakistan being a founding member of the ECO was committed to progress through regional integration.

He said the summit provided the opportunity for discussing areas of cooperation among the member countries for the benefit of their population.

PM Nawaz said that Pakistan considers peaceful relations with its neighbouring countries a priority.

He said the resolution of Kashmir issue will bring stability to the region.

The prime minister emphasised on greater connectivity and trade links between member countries. “The ECO region is rich in resources and capabilities. It is time to make momentous advancements,” he said.

In his inauguration address, the PM said VISION 2025 will provide achievable opportunities for the region. “ECO sets an example of regional cooperation,” said the prime minister.

“CPEC is being recognised as a catalyst for regional stability,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s current economic performance is living up to expectations. 

The next ECO summit will be held with the mutual consensus of the member countries and will be communicated through the ECO Secretary General.

 Region can benefit from collective strengths: Erdogan

Turkish President Erdogan addressed the summit

Representatives of member countries including five presidents, three prime ministers, and a deputy prime minister are attending the summit, which is being hosted and chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Representatives from guest countries addressed the summit and reiterated their commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.

"I invite all member countries to participate in the regional development," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that Turkey has initiated several projects to promote development in the region.

The Turkish president said that it was important for member countries to communicate with each other adding that the region could benefit from the collective strengths of its people.

Addressing the summit, Turkmenistan President Qurban Ali said ECO is an important platform to hold constructive dialogue.  “Economic corridors assist in global cooperation,” he said adding that the Turkmenistan wanted a peaceful Afghanistan.

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov said that promotion of science and technology is important to promote peace.

The summit, taking place after a gap of five years, coincides with the 25th anniversary of the expansion of the bloc established in 1985. The summit’s theme is ‘Connectivity for Regional Prosperity’. Discussions at the meeting will focus on prospects of cooperation in the fields of connectivity, trade, transport and energy.

China has been invited as a special guest in view of extra emphasis at the summit on connectivity and integration.

“Connectivity for regional prosperity is the theme of the ECO Summit,” said Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in an earlier statement, 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.

Stringent security measures have been put in place in Islamabad to ensure the safety of the attendees and public. Roads leading to the summit's venue have been closed to traffic.

A public holiday has been announced in the federal capital on the occasion of the ECO summit. 

*Additional input by APP