Mashhad – December 3, 2024
ECO Secretary General, Dr. Asad M. Khan, held a press conference today in Mashhad following the successful conclusion of the 28th Council of Ministers Meeting.
Dr. Khan thanked the Government of Iran and the city of Mashhad for their hospitality and excellent organization of the event. He also commended the leadership of His Excellency, Foreign Minister Mr. Abbas Araghchi, during Iran’s chairmanship of ECO in 2024.
Informing the media representatives, Secretary General Khan noted that the meeting resulted in the adoption of the Mashhad Communiqué, which highlighted key decisions and resolutions. These included reaffirming support for ECO initiatives, advancing intra-regional trade and emphasizing the creation of an ECO Free Trade Area. The Council also focused on enhancing regional cooperation in energy, tourism, food security and climate resilience.
Dr. Khan highlighted the launch of the ECO Clean Energy Centre (CECECO) at COP29 in Baku and the continued development of regional tourism, with Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan, named the ECO Tourism Capital for 2024, and Erzurum for 2025. Looking ahead, Dr. Khan noted that 2025 marks the 39th anniversary of ECO and welcomed Kazakhstan’s upcoming chairmanship in January 2025, confident in the country’s ability to continue advancing the region’s goals.
