(Istanbul, Turkey): A delegation of the Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) participated in the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process on Thursday April 19, in Istanbul.
While speaking at the meeting, ECO Deputy Secretary General, Kanan Nazarov, highlighted the Organization’s support for the Process as a significant mechanism in working towards a stable and secure future for all Afghans. As part of our commitment to this end, the New ECO Advocacy Programme for Afghanistan (EAPA) has been adopted by the 23rd ECO Council of Ministers on April 17, 2018 in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, he said.
Mr. Nazarov added that the program will be the main ECO framework for assisting the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in its efforts for stability, prosperity, economic growth and sustainable development. Mr. Nazarov emphasized that tangible results within Afghanistan could on be achieved only through enhanced cooperation, strong connectivity and the collaboration of the international and regional organizations.
The first Plan of Action for supporting reconstruction of Afghanistan within the ECO framework was developed in 2003. After reflections on that process, the 23rd Council adopted the New Programme in an attempt to streamline the activities of the organization with regards to Afghanistan based on the current and emerging requirements of the country.
