IRNA says the 28th Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers concluded in the Iranian city of Mashhad on December 3 with officials calling for expansion of cooperation between the member nations.

Delivering a statement at the meeting, Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin reportedly said that more than 35% of Tajikistan's foreign trade is now conducted with ECO member nations.

According to IRNA, he pointed out that the existing potential for trade development with these countries is being updated, given that ECO members are rich in natural resources and possess vast capacities across various sectors.

“Effective and joint use of these capacities can lead to improved welfare and living standards for our people, as well as economic and social development, and consolidating peace and sustainable security in the region,” top Tajik diplomat was cited as saying.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also noted that joint cooperation among ECO member states should be strengthened and expanded in various fields.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, speaking at the meeting, reportedly highlighted the importance of tourism in ECO, saying member nations should pay attention to this field so that they can become tourist destinations in the world with the cooperation of neighboring countries.

Addressing the summit, the representative of Kyrgyzstan Tordaqon Sidiqov called for cooperation agreements within ECO to implement railway projects and remove trade barriers.

The Council reportedly adopted the Mashhad Communiqué that sets strategic directions for ECO’s activities, reinforcing cooperation among member states.

ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan said the Mashhad Communiqué has a forward-looking approach and emphasizes the expansion of regional cohesion as well as efforts to develop infrastructure connections and greater cohesion among the members.

He expressed hope that member states will be able to create greater cohesion through the development of economic activities.

Meanwhile Tajik MFA information department reports that December 3, Sirojiddin Muhriddin met with ECO Secretary-General Dr. Asad M. Khan in Mashhad on the sidelines of the ECO Council of Ministers’ meeting in Mashhad.

The parties reportedly discussed the results of the event, as well as ways to further expand the multifaceted relations between the Republic of Tajikistan and the relevant institutions of the Organization.

It was emphasized that in 2024, Tajikistan hosted three high-level meetings within the framework of the ECO, which played an important role in regional integration.