Iran Reaffirms Strong Commitment to Strengthening ECO at Ministerial Meeting
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran’s firm commitment to strengthening the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), noting that recent summits have demonstrated the highest level of political will among member states to advance regional cooperation. He made the remarks during the 29th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers, held online on Friday.
In his address, Araghchi highlighted the significant potential of the ECO region, stating that it could evolve into one of the most dynamic areas within the Global South if its collective capacities are fully activated. He stressed that the Council of Ministers, as the ECO’s top decision-making body, must continue to reinforce the positive momentum generated by member states’ leadership.
Reflecting on developments since the previous Council meeting in Mashhad, the Iranian Foreign Minister discussed regional challenges, including what he described as “aggressive, terrorist, and unlawful attacks” carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran in June 2025. He said the assaults resulted in civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, and disruptions to the ECO Secretariat’s activities. Araghchi expressed appreciation to ECO member states for their support during the crisis, adding that Iran acted within its legitimate right to self-defense.
Araghchi also noted key ECO ministerial meetings hosted by Iran over the past year, including those focused on interior affairs and transport, which produced actionable outcomes in areas such as transit, logistics, cross-border movement, and disaster management. He welcomed the adoption of a two-year roadmap by ECO trade ministers in Istanbul to advance negotiations on the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA), calling it a major step toward establishing a future ECO Free Trade Area.
Regarding long-term planning, the minister highlighted ongoing work on the new 10-year ECO Vision document. He underscored the need for structural reforms and a redesigned organizational architecture capable of responding effectively to global and regional challenges. The future vision, he said, must prioritize resilience, integration, and enhanced physical and technological connectivity across the region.
Araghchi congratulated Turkmenistan for successfully hosting the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in August 2025, reaffirming Iran’s readiness to support the implementation of the “Awaza Programme of Action” in collaboration with ECO member states.
Reiterating Iran’s unwavering support for the organization, he noted that President Masoud Pezeshkian’s participation in the recent ECO Summit in Khankandy — despite ongoing attacks against Iran — demonstrated the country’s commitment. He also commended Pakistan for assuming the upcoming ECO chairmanship starting 1 January 2026.
Araghchi concluded by praising ECO Secretary General Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan for his leadership and welcoming Afghanistan’s Minister Mottaghi to the meeting.
