Tehran – February 24, 2025
The 35th Meeting of the ECO Regional Planning Council (RPC) commenced on February 24, 2025, with a plenary session held at the ECO Secretariat in Tehran. The session was attended by Heads and Members of Delegations from ECO countries and observers, along with representatives from ECO Specialized Agencies, Regional Institutes and Affiliated Bodies. ECO Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan and his team at the Secretariat were also in attendance.
In his welcome address, Ambassador Dr. Khan highlighted ECO’s key achievements over the past year and provided an update on major flagship initiatives, programs and projects, particularly during 2025. He reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to regional economic cooperation amid evolving global political and economic challenges. He also emphasized the significance of the ECO Work Program and Calendar of Events for 2025. This, he noted, presents a crucial opportunity to make 2025 a milestone year for ECO, as it marks the conclusion of Vision 2025—a pivotal moment to assess progress and define future priorities. Acknowledging Iran’s successful ECO Chairmanship in 2024, he extended congratulations to Kazakhstan for assuming the role in 2025.
Ambassador Ontalap Onalbayev, Kazakhstan’s Head of Delegation, presiding over the plenary session, acknowledged the progress made under Iran’s leadership and reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening regional economic ties. He emphasized trade, connectivity, green energy and climate change as key focus areas during Kazakhstan’s tenure as ECO Chair.
Following the plenary session, sectoral committee meetings of the RPC commenced and will continue until February 27, 2025. The RPC, as a key decision-making forum of the Organization will discuss and endorse the annual Work Program and Calendar of Events of the ECO for 2025.
