On July 6, 2022, the ECO Secretary General H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri had a bilateral interaction with the Acting Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Vladimir Norov. Joining on the sidelines of the 7th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture, the two sides discussed issues of regional cooperation, opportunities and challenges in special consideration of the post-pandemic conditions.
The Secretary General expressed his deep appreciation over the increasing role of Uzbekistan in the ECO’s overall engagements and activities, particularly, ever since the country assumed chairmanship of the Organization in January 2022. He noted the hosting of 7th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture by Uzbekistan as a reflection of country’s strong commitment and dedication to shoulder and support ECO’s agenda and efforts for greater regional integration. He also briefed the Minister about the implementation status of ECO Vision ,“ 2025, as well as the declarations made by ECO Leaders in the Ashgabat Consensus for Action, including the notable initiatives and proposals put forward by H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Moreover, the Secretary General conveyed ECO’s earnest desire for expanded collaboration with Uzbekistan in all areas of mutual interest that prominently include trade & investment, transport, energy, environment, tourism, agriculture and industry.
The Acting Foreign Minister thanked the Secretary General for a comprehensive briefing on different aspects of ECO and its activities which is based on synergic and nexus approach of cooperation for shared development and collective socioeconomic progress in the region. He invited the ECO Secretary General to attend the International Conference on Afghanistan to be hosted, later this month, by Uzbekistan.
The meeting, inter alia, also evaluated the preparations of some upcoming ECO events, including the 16th ECO Summit and 26th Meeting of ECO Council of Ministers (COM) to be organized and hosted by Uzbekistan.