An online videoconference was held between the ECO Secretary General, H.E. Dr. Hadi Soleimanpour and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov on June 16, 2021, to explore certain ways and means of expanded multilateral cooperation, diverse interactions and increased economic activities in the ECO Region.
The two sides, inter alia, discussed the possibility of holding a midterm Meeting of ECO Regional Planning Council (RPC) in July 2021, as well as 15th ECO Summit to be preceded by 25th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers (COM) sometime in November 2021 under the ECO’s Chairmanship of Turkmenistan. It was also deliberated to hold the Donors’ Conference for Afghanistan as well as the ECO Day Program on the sidelines of next ECO Summit.
The honourable Minister emphasized on continuation of existing dialogue between Turkmenistan and ECO, assuring their full support to the Organization to boost regional progress and prosperity as well as overall socioeconomic development in the region. While appreciating the ECO Secretary General for facilitating and organizing several ministerial and other important events under their chairmanship, he invited him to visit Turkmenistan for the extension of the ongoing negotiation process.
The ECO Secretary General re-acknowledged the valuable guidelines of the honourable President of Turkmenistan, H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov given during the 14th ECO Summit, underscoring that the organization is well-prepared to make smooth implementation of its prioritized tasks in special consideration of the guidance provided by the honourable President.
The event also entailed some interactive segments between the relevant directorates of the ECO Secretariat and heads and representatives of the concerned ministries as well as agencies of Turkmenistan to touch upon the potential areas of regional cooperation, including trade, transport, energy, environment, agriculture, industry, human resources and sustainable development.
