{"id":30056,"date":"2025-07-06T13:05:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T10:05:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=30056"},"modified":"2025-07-06T13:07:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T10:07:06","slug":"regional-leaders-gather-in-azerbaijan-for-17th-eco-summit-focusing-on-trade-energy-and-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/regional-leaders-gather-in-azerbaijan-for-17th-eco-summit-focusing-on-trade-energy-and-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Regional leaders gather in Azerbaijan for 17th ECO Summit, focusing on trade, energy and development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

4 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chaired by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the summit was held under the theme \u201cNew ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.\u201d It brought together heads of state and government from the ECO\u2019s ten member nations, as well as representatives from observer states, global institutions, and key international stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Top leaders from ECO countries convene in Karabakh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kazakhstan was represented by Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov, Afghanistan\u2019s interim government sent Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Rasit Meredow, UAE\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"17th<\/a>
Leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and representatives of other ECO countries attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held on July 3 and 4, 2025, in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. (Image Credit: ECO)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Delegates from key international organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCAP, and the Organization of Turkic States also participated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Symbolic Significance of Khankendi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s progress in rebuilding and its commitment to regional cooperation and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOrganization of today\u2019s 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,\u201d President Aliyev stated during the opening ceremony. \u201cThis is a moment of both historical reflection and forward-looking partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlighting Azerbaijan\u2019s economic appeal, he said, \u201cOver the past 20 years, approximately $350 billion has been invested in Azerbaijan\u2019s economy, with foreign investments accounting for half.\u201d Azerbaijan plays a vital role in regional energy security, exporting natural gas to 12 countries through multiple pipelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Green Growth, Trade, and Integration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key outcomes included the signing of the Charter of the ECO Clean Energy Center by Kazakhstan, reinforcing the bloc\u2019s commitment to sustainable energy innovation. The center, headquartered in Baku, is envisioned as a regional hub for renewable energy policy coordination and technical support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan praised Azerbaijan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Azerbaijan Hosts 17th ECO Summit
Khankendi \u2013 July 4, 2025https:\/\/t.co\/mP8no8Fje5<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/dUA75OyfoV<\/a><\/p>— ECO Secretariat (@eco_secretariat) July 4, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>