Tehran – 6 August 2026
In an online meeting on 6 August 2026, the ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan congratulated Mr. Habib Turki on his assumption of duties as the new Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and wished him success in his new capacity. He also admired Mr. Umberto de Pretto, the former IRU Secretary General for his collaborative attitude towards the ECO.
Dr. Khan acknowledged and appreciated excellent relations between ECO and IRU and expressed hope and confidence that under the leadership of Mr. Turki, both organizations further develop their partnerships, including through implementation of the joint 2026-2027 Action Plan. He gave an update on some connectivity-related activities in the ECO, including the upcoming Transport Ministerial Meeting in Astana (14-15 October 2026), International Financing Conference for ECO Transport Corridors and Projects in 2027, implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for the ECO landlocked countries, efforts to have more engagement by private sector into ECO connectivity agenda, etc. Secretary General invited IRU to participate and engage in these events and activities.
Mr. Habib Turki thanked Secretary General for his sentiments and valued the IRU-ECO joint activities throughout the years which aimed at trade facilitation as well as strengthening private sector in the region. He welcomed the upcoming ECO events and expressed readiness to consider new areas for cooperation. He also highlighted the imperative for the ECO and IRU to jointly mobilize financial resources for their important joint projects.
Both sides mandated their teams in Tehran and Geneva to continue constant exchanges to ensure highest benefits possible for the ECO Member States.
