Tehran – February 3, 2025
The First High-Level Committee (HLC) Meeting of the ECO Deputy Foreign Ministers took place today at the ECO Secretariat in Tehran.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Alibek Bakayev, who chaired the event, made his opening remarks followed by a short presentation by ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan. Other distinguished heads of delegation from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, delivered statements emphasizing their joint commitment to strengthening collaboration and institutional development in the ECO.
The HLC deliberated on crucial organizational reforms, including financial and budgetary matters, enhancing the efficiency of the Secretariat and refining recruitment policies. The Committee explored viable options to enhance the organization’s operational framework and ensure its effectiveness in addressing regional challenges. The Committee also reviewed progress under the ECO Vision 2025 and challenges encountered during its implementation. Mandated by the 28th COM Meeting in Mashhad, the HLC examined options for formulating a new ECO Vision document, ensuring alignment with contemporary regional and global economic trends. The Committee further agreed to create a working group to develop specific proposals and recommendations on ECO reforms.
The outcomes of this high-level engagement are expected to contribute significantly to shaping the future direction of the ECO, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic development and cooperation in the region.