Tehran – November 2, 2025
The Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Dr. Asad M. Khan, received Mr. Matsumoto Hideaki, the newly appointed Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Iran Office, and Mr. Tanaka Osamu, outgoing Chief Representative, at the ECO Secretariat in Tehran. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation and exploring shared regional priorities.
Dr. Khan highlighted the pivotal role of ECO in promoting regional integration and sustainable development. Given JICA’s presence and valuable work in the region, he underscored ECO’s readiness to collaborate with JICA in key areas such as water management, disaster risk reduction (DRR), urban development, health, and education. Emphasizing the value of practical cooperation, he proposed initiating a small-scale pilot project within the ECO region as a starting point for deeper engagement between the two institutions.
In his remarks, Mr. Tanaka Osamu commended ECO’s efforts to foster regional collaboration and expressed JICA’s commitment to expanding partnerships that support sustainable development and deliver tangible benefits to member countries.
Mr. Matsumoto Hideaki, the new Chief Representative of JICA Iran Office, expressed his appreciation for ECO’s engagement and outlined JICA’s strategic programs and regional initiatives. He noted that there are significant opportunities for synergy and joint action between the two organizations in addressing regional challenges.
Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and jointly explore practical mechanisms for future cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across the ECO region.
