Under the Chairmanship of H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted the 16th ECO Summit on November 9, 2023 in Tashkent.
The event was attended by Heads of State/Government of the ECO Member States, including Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Türkiye and Turkmenistan, as well as ECO Secretary General.
The Summit reviewed the post-pandemic activities of the Organization including, inter alia, the progress made in regional trade, transport, energy, tourism, agriculture sectors, etc. ECO leaders noted that member countries were required to be more receptive and responsive to mutually materialize ECO’s sectoral initiatives for ensuring a shared and sustainable progress and development in the region. In this regard, the meeting appreciated Uzbekistan for introducing some joint action plans to speed up the process of regional economic integration, including the country’s proposal on the establishment of an International Industrial Exhibition within ECO and offer for hosting its first exposure in Uzbekistan during 2024.
Underscoring the significance of year-wise conceptual themes and the yearly selection of ECO Tourism Capitals, the leaders noted that such positive trends would support and accelerate the accomplishment of ECO’s multifarious agenda. Besides, they emphasized the necessity of enhanced international cooperation to create greater harmony amongst the nations so that the current geopolitical challenges may collectively be addressed. In this regard, the leadership appreciated ECO’s efforts for increasing the Organization’s worldwide visibility through more and improved regional and global partnerships. Underlining the role of parliamentary diplomacy which continues to grow in global relations, ECO leadership acknowledged the importance of the Parliamentary Assembly of ECO Member States (PAECO).
The Summit event also discussed the current situation in Afghanistan, urging for increased humanitarian assistance to solve the severe socioeconomic problems of Afghan people. Looking into escalating tensions in Palestine and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the ECO leaders stressed the international community to come up with a more serious and fruitful response. Moreover, the names of ECO Award Winners were also announced during the Summit in recognition of the individuals’ scientific and educational services.
