Tehran – November 27, 2024
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) commemorated its 39th Anniversary and 32nd Anniversary of Expansion during a special ECO Day Reception organized at the Institute of Political and International Studies in Tehran on November 27, 2024. The event brought together ambassadors and permanent representatives of member countries, diplomatic corps representatives, host government dignitaries and local guests.
H.E. Mr. Amin Taarafo, Honourable Deputy Minister for Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran graced the occasion with his participation as the event’s Chief Guest.
In his remarks, ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan highlighted ECO’s legacy in regional development, tracing its roots to 1964 when Iran, Pakistan and Türkiye established the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD). Renamed as the Economic Cooperation Organization in 1985, ECO expanded in 1992 to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Dr. Khan noted that 2024, declared by the current ECO Chair (Iran) as the “Year of Enhanced and Resilient ECO Region through Expansion of Intra-Regional Trade,” has seen significant progress. He outlined ECO’s recent achievements in trade, connectivity, energy, environment, tourism and industrial development while commending member states’ steadfast commitment to ECO. Additionally, Dr. Khan highlighted ECO’s efforts to foster international partnerships, emphasizing its dedication to strengthening ties with regional and global organizations to accelerate regional integration.
The event featured a screening of an ECO documentary and a photo exhibition showcasing the Organization’s accomplishments and initiatives.
