Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Dr. Asad Majid Khan, met with Nokerguly Atagulyyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, during the sidelines of the 1st ECO Forum on Sustainable Development, as reported by press-service of Economic Cooperation Organization on Monday.
Majid Khan praised Turkmenistan’s active engagement within the ECO framework, commending its continued commitment to regional economic integration and the successful organization of the inaugural forum.
During the meeting, Majid Khan shared key trade statistics, noting that in 2023, the ECO region’s total contribution to global trade reached $ 1 trillion 16 billion, while intra-regional trade amounted to $82 billion.
Dr. Khan also welcomed Turkmenistan’s initiative to propose an ECO feasibility study on the establishment of Shared Border Zones with Iran. Secretary General of ECO briefed Nokerguly Atagulyyev on upcoming ministerial meetings across various sectors and extended an invitation for Turkmenistan’s active participation.
Emphasizing the need to strengthen economic ties, the ECO Secretary General underscored the importance of signing and ratifying key agreements, including the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and the Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investment (APPI).
The meeting reaffirmed mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and sustainable development across the ECO region.
Founded in 1985, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is a regional body comprising 10 member states: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiýe, and Uzbekistan. The ECO focuses on enhancing trade, transportation, energy, and tourism, and its headquarters is located in Tehran.
