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ISLAMABAD , Jun 02 (APP)::The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held 2-Day Ministerial Meeting in Tehran, Iran with the participation of ministers from 10-member countries including Pakistan, Türkiye, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
The delegates from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and host country Iran were also in attendance. In ECO Pakistani delegation was led by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan who also addressed the session on Monday, said a press release received here.
In his speech, Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the need to create more opportunities for economic growth and mutual stability within the region. He stated, “We believe in transforming challenges into opportunities”.
He added that Pakistan holds strategic importance in the region and is particularly committed to develop road networks, enhancing land connectivity and establishing trade corridors. He reiterated Pakistan’s priority to strengthen ties among ECO Member States, referring to the Vision 2025 framework established during the ECO summit held in Islamabad in 2017.
The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate Pakistan’s rail and road corridors with the broader ECO network, citing major projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and aligning with Euro-Asian Transport Links and the Asian Highway Network as national priorities.
Abdul Aleem Khan elaborated that Pakistan has connected its northern border at Khunjerab to the C-Ports of Gwadar and Karachi and has also developed road networks to link with Iran and Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan is undergoing a digital transformation in the communications sector which will bring substantial long-term benefits and far reaching affects.
Federal Minister for Communications further stated that Pakistan is eager to benefit from the experiences of other ECO Member States. He highlighted a major facilitation step by revealing that as of August 2024, Pakistan has become a visa-free country for citizens of 126 countries and that over 20,000 visas have already been issued under this category to businesspersons and tourists.
Terming the ECO meeting in Tehran as a positive and constructive step, Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized Pakistan’s leading role in developing transport corridors and fostering regional connectivity which will ultimately contribute to the economic uplift of all Member States.
Upon arrival in Tehran for the ECO meeting, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan received a warm welcome. He participated in the session wearing Pakistan’s national dress, adorned with a badge of the national flag , a gesture well-received by the participants.
In addition, Abdul Aleem Khan is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Türkiye. A high-level delegation from Pakistan is also accompanying him during these engagements.