IRIA News

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Leaders from across Eurasia convened in Azerbaijan for the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in the city of Khankendi on July 3-4, 2025. The summit focused on strengthening economic ties, expanding energy cooperation, and accelerating sustainable development across the ECO region.

Chaired by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the summit was held under the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.” It brought together heads of state and government from the ECO’s ten member nations, as well as representatives from observer states, global institutions, and key international stakeholders.

Top leaders from ECO countries convene in Karabakh

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were among the high-profile attendees. Other leaders included Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), an observer member.

Kazakhstan was represented by Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov, Afghanistan’s interim government sent Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Rasit Meredow, UAE’s Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Al Jaber, Secretary General of Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Kubancyhbek Omuraliev and ECO Secretary General of Asad Majeed Khan were also present.

Delegates from key international organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCAP, and the Organization of Turkic States also participated.

Symbolic Significance of Khankendi

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev welcomed participants, underscoring the symbolic importance of holding the summit in a territory recently liberated and undergoing reconstruction after decades of occupation. The event showcased Azerbaijan’s progress in rebuilding and its commitment to regional cooperation and development.

“Organization of today’s Summit in Garabagh, in Khankendi, holds particular symbolism … At present, large-scale reconstruction and development efforts are underway throughout the entire liberated Garabagh and East Zangezur regions,” President Aliyev stated during the opening ceremony. “This is a moment of both historical reflection and forward-looking partnership.”

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s economic appeal, he said, “Over the past 20 years, approximately $350 billion has been invested in Azerbaijan’s economy, with foreign investments accounting for half.” Azerbaijan plays a vital role in regional energy security, exporting natural gas to 12 countries through multiple pipelines.

Green Growth, Trade, and Integration

The summit centered on deepening regional connectivity, trade liberalization, energy cooperation, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Climate resilience and green transformation were prominent on the agenda, reflecting a shift in ECO’s long-term strategic direction.

Key outcomes included the signing of the Charter of the ECO Clean Energy Center by Kazakhstan, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to sustainable energy innovation. The center, headquartered in Baku, is envisioned as a regional hub for renewable energy policy coordination and technical support.

ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan praised Azerbaijan’s leadership, noting that the summit has set a new standard for regional cooperation, expanding our strategic horizon and bringing in youth, women, and the private sector as active stakeholders.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means, promoting regional peacebuilding, and deepening economic integration as essential pillars for lasting stability.

Additionally, leaders addressed pressing global issues, welcoming recent de-escalation efforts in the Middle East, particularly regarding tensions between Iran and Israel, and called for the expansion of nuclear-weapon-free zones.

Iran to host 18th ECO Summit in 2027

Founded in 1985 as the successor to the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), the ECO today spans over 8 million square kilometers and represents a population of more than 460 million people. Its mission remains the enhancement of economic ties, sustainable development, and cross-border integration among its member states—Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The 17th summit concluded with a reaffirmation of shared goals and the announcement that the 18th ECO Summit will be hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2027, continuing the momentum for intra-regional collaboration.