ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has become the centre of regional diplomatic activity as the two-day Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) begins today, November 15.
In this regard, foreign delegations have started arriving in Pakistan to participate in the important gathering, which is expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation, expanding trade relations and improving regional connectivity.
The meeting is being viewed as an important opportunity for ECO member states to explore new avenues of economic partnership and address shared regional challenges.
The deputy foreign ministers from Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have arrived in Islamabad with their respective delegations to attend the meeting.
Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Ahmed Saeed Murad Zoda, and Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, were also reported to have arrived in the Pakistani capital for the gathering.
The ECO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting will bring together representatives of the organization’s 10 member countries and three observers.
Key discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic and trade relations among member states, improving regional connectivity, expanding cooperation in the energy sector and developing transportation infrastructure.
These areas are considered essential for improving trade flows, facilitating cross-border economic activities and promoting sustainable economic growth across the region.
The meeting is also expected to provide an opportunity for participating countries to discuss practical measures for enhancing cooperation and identifying new opportunities for regional development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will address the opening ceremony of the two-day meeting.
Foreign delegations are also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their visit to Islamabad.
Tight Security Arrangements Across Islamabad
Security measures have been strengthened to ensure the safety of visiting officials and the smooth conduct of the meeting.
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The gathering offers Pakistan an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic engagement and promote closer economic partnerships with regional countries.
