Tehran – June 12, 2026
The Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Dr. Asad M. Khan, participated virtually in the International Conference titled “Central Asia – the Core of the SCO, Space of Peace and Joint Development”, hosted by the Republic of Tajikistan on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The conference served as a platform for senior officials, diplomats, and representatives of international and regional organizations to reflect on the SCO’s evolution and deliberate on pathways for promoting peace, sustainable development, and regional integration across Central Asia and beyond.
In his remarks, the Secretary General congratulated the SCO and its member states on the milestone anniversary and expressed appreciation to the Republic of Tajikistan for organizing the conference and inviting ECO to participate. He also acknowledged Tajikistan’s valuable contributions to ECO and its important role within the SCO.
Highlighting the close relationship between ECO and the SCO, the Secretary General noted that the two organizations share overlapping membership, common geography, and increasingly convergent objectives. Referring to the theme of the conference, the Secretary General highlighted Central Asia’s pivotal role in promoting regional cooperation, connectivity, and economic integration across Eurasia. He emphasized that the region’s experience demonstrates the value of sustained dialogue and cooperation in building trust, expanding economic ties, and advancing shared prosperity. Stressing the importance of cooperative regionalism as a pillar of effective multilateralism, he noted the growing convergence between ECO and SCO objectives while also acknowledging the contributions of Central Asian leaders to the region’s stability and development.
Concluding his remarks, the Secretary General expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan for organizing the conference and reaffirmed ECO’s readiness to continue engaging with regional partners to promote cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared prosperity throughout Central Asia and beyond.
