ISLAMABAD: Preparatory sessions for the 30th Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers (COM) commenced in the federal capital on Sunday, November 15, alongside a flurry of diplomatic arrivals and high-level bilateral engagements led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
ECO secretaries and focal representatives convened here on Sunday to finalize the agenda for the upcoming foreign ministers’ summit. Discussions are centered on bolstering regional economic cooperation, expanding trade, and enhancing connectivity among member states, with a specific focus on linking landlocked Central Asia to international markets.
On the sidelines of the gathering, Deputy Prime Minister Dar held separate meetings with the heads of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the ECO.
During his meeting with OIC Secretary General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed—who is making his inaugural visit to Islamabad since assuming office—Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the OIC as a unified and effective voice for the Muslim Ummah, assuring the bloc of Islamabad’s continued support.
In a separate session with ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Dar emphasized regional connectivity and economic integration. Outlining Pakistan’s upcoming Chairmanship priorities under the theme “Reviving Regionalism for a Resilient ECO,” he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the 2027 ECO Summit. Dr. Khan commended Pakistan’s hospitality and organizational arrangements for the 30th ECO-COM, while both sides pledged close coordination to implement agreed regional development initiatives.
Beyond the ECO engagements, DPM/FM Dar held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty. The two ministers reviewed regional and international developments and discussed the upcoming R4 and R4+E4 meetings in Europe, stressing the need for closer coordination to advance regional peace and stability. Foreign Minister Abdelatty also renewed an invitation for Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to visit Cairo, which Dar welcomed positively.
Several high-ranking officials arrived at Islamabad International Airport on Sunday to participate in the 30th ECO-COM and were received by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, welcomed by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan alongside MoFA officials. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of Delegation Elnur Mammadov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of Delegation Musa Kulaklikaya also arrived.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments