New York, September 2024
During the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Dr. Asad M. Khan, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), met with Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS). The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the two organizations to support the development of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) within the ECO region.
Dr. Khan highlighted ECO’s active engagement in UNOHRLLS initiatives and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to contributing to future efforts aimed at advancing LLDCs. He emphasized ECO’s capability and willingness to leverage its resources and convening power in support of the implementation of the upcoming Plan of Action for LLDCs, while aligning with new sustainable development frameworks. Dr. Khan noted that a majority of ECO member states are LLDCs, forming a critical subset of the broader UNOHRLLS mandate.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of enhanced ECO-UNOHRLLS cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaborative efforts to promote the development and connectivity of LLDCs. They agreed to maintain an ongoing dialogue to explore mutually beneficial partnerships. Ms. Fatima extended an invitation to ECO to participate in the upcoming Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, scheduled to be held from December 10-13, 2024, in Botswana.
