ISLAMABAD, March 1: The participating Heads of States and Governments have approved the Islamabad declaration of the 13th ECO Summit.
Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov has said that ECO will make rapid progress to reap benefits of mutual economic cooperation under the leadership of Pakistan.
He laid great emphasis on the cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, transport, agriculture, economy, tourism, science and technology
Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev’s address to ECO Summit Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Bakytzhan Sagintayev said ECO has evolved into a multilateral platform to facilitate development of the region.
He said the organization should give priority to communication and infrastructure projects. He said Kazakhstan is also implementing huge projects that would link the country with Europe and the Chinese project of One Belt One Road.
Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow has said ECO is an important for constructive dialogue among member states. He said ECO has set the direction of development of the member states.
He sid ECO has significant potential for expanding partnership particularly in vital issues including security. He stressed the need for cooperation among member states in energy. He said Turkemnistan’s energy strategy is multi-directional.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for early completion of reforms in ECO, strengthening of human resource of ECO Secretariat and a evolution of a mechanism for ownership of projects. He laid stress on cooperation in energy and said his country would support all initiatives aimed at realization of this objective.
The Turkish President also underscored the need for greater cooperation in agriculture, environment and tourism.
Addressing the Summit, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev laid special emphasis on mutual cooperation among the ECO countries in the field of infrastructure, connectivity, and transportation for the development and the progress of the region.
He also condemned the growing Islmophobia and made it clear that Islam is a religion of peace and it should not be linked with terrorism.
In his speech at the 13th ECO Summit, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said with more understanding among the heads of State and Governments, we would be able to take longer strides in advancing the programmes and activities of the Organization.
He said ECO can play a vital role in building the future of economy of our region and for this to happen, he said the ECO needs restructuring.
Hassn Rouhani said Iran is ready to play its role in solidifying the Economic Cooperation Organization.
Addressing the Summit, Secretary General Halil Ibrahim congratulated Prime Minister on his election as Chairman of the Summit and hoped that under his able leadership, the ECO will make further progress.
He said the Summit is of prime importance for ECO to review its performance and for guidance for future endeavours of the Organization.
The ECO Secretary General said special emphasis has been given to Corridors which will provide access to the ECO landlocked countries. He said tourism has been prioritized as priority area in the ECO Vision. He said process is going on to promote tourism activities in the region. He said ECO has signed forty-five MOUs and Agreements with the UN System and other regional and international organizations in different fields.He said ECO has also developed its external relations with other Organizations like UN and OIC.
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon said trade, investment and effective use of energy resources constitute key elements of regional cooperation.
He said ECO member states should pay greater attention to implementation of joint infrastructure projects to facilitate connectivity of transport and energy networks in the region. He said activities of the ECO should help promote socio-economic development, poverty reduction and improvement in living standards in the member states.
Addressing the Summit, Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov said that ECO will make rapid progress to reap benefits of mutual economic cooperation under the leadership of Pakistan.
He laid great emphasis on the cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, transport, agriculture, economy, tourism, science and technology.
Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Ulugbak Rozukulov proposed joint projects in transport, energy and communication sectors.
He also proposed intensified collaboration in agriculture sector aimed at achieving food security.
He said Uzbekistan is working on a number of infrastructure development projects in collaboration with other neighbouring countries including Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman corridor.
Speaking as observer, President of Turkish Northern Cyprus Mustafa Akinci said Northern Cyprus wants to contribute more effectively to ECO’s work.
He said they want to engage in strong economic, cultural and social interaction with the ECO member states. He sought support of member countries in the fields of higher education and tourism.
Addressing the Summit, Afghanistan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal reiterated that his country is committed to the realisation of aims and objectives of ECO.
He said peace and stability is necessary in member states to promote regional connectivity. He stressed the need for utilisation of reginal resources for the benefits of all the members states.
He said we can meet the challenges of poverty and other challenges through implementing a joint strategy.
The UN Secretary General’s special representative said the World Body is working with ECO members in different fields including development, peace and human resources.
He said the UN stands ready to support ECO agenda. He said ECO member states should share their resources for economic development of the region.
Speaking as Special guest, Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China Yesui Zhang said increased regional cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and other areas will bring development and prosperity to the region.
He urged the ECO countries to step up strategic communication and cooperation for greater and indepth regional cooperation. He said ECO countries have friendly ties with China in terms of cultural linkages, proximity, and old China Silk Road.
Yesui Zhang said ECO cooperation will help promote China’s initiative of belt and road cooperation for greater regional integration, development, and prosperity. -DNA
