Tehran – January 27, 2026
The ECO Council of Permanent Representatives convened at its 303rd Session on January 27, 2026. The meeting was opened with Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Ambassador Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, who took over the CPR Chairmanship from Kazakhstan’s outgoing Chairman Ambassador Ontalap Onalbayev, in a brief ceremony.
In his remarks, Ambassador Tipu said that Pakistan, as a founding member of ECO, had remained committed to the Organization’s objectives and principles since its inception. He emphasized the importance of enhanced regional cooperation, especially given the emerging regional and global scenarios. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ECO and its objectives for the greater good and collective interest of the member states.
Ambassador Onalbayev expressed gratitude to all delegations for their cooperation and support during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. He emphasized that the CPR had remained an effective forum for practical cooperation. He congratulated Ambassador Tipu on assuming the CPR chairmanship, and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s continued commitment to ECO.
The ECO Secretary General thanked Ambassador Ontalap and his team for steering the Organization’s work during 2025, noting the successful convening of several ministerial meetings and the 17th ECO Summit. He congratulated Ambassador Tipu on assuming the CPR chairmanship under the newly approved two-year term and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s leadership. While noting the busy schedule given several ministerial meetings in 2026 across all various sectors, he urged member states to confirm dates well in advance to ensure effective participation and preparation.
The representing delegations from member countries also congratulated Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the Council for 2026–2027 while commending Kazakhstan for its successful chairmanship in 2025 and welcomed the progress achieved by ECO.
