Baku – June 26, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan on Thursday to represent Pakistan at the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The high-level gathering of regional leaders aims to boost economic integration, connectivity, and sustainable development across ECO member states.
The premier was received by senior Azerbaijani officials and Pakistan’s diplomatic mission upon arrival. He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with regional counterparts on the sidelines of the summit.
Focus Areas of the 17th ECO Summit
Held under the theme “Green Transition and Regional Connectivity”, the summit brings together leaders from 10 member states, including:
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Turkey
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- Turkmenistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Afghanistan
Key discussion points include:
- Regional trade facilitation and transport corridors
- Energy cooperation and green technology transfer
- Climate resilience and water resource management
- Strengthening intra-regional investment frameworks
Pakistan’s Agenda at the Summit
PM Shehbaz is expected to:
- Advocate for accelerated implementation of infrastructure and rail link projects
- Emphasize the importance of Pakistan’s Gwadar and Karachi ports as trade gateways for Central Asia
- Propose enhanced energy cooperation, including pipeline projects and power-sharing frameworks
- Highlight Pakistan’s role in the ECO Vision 2025, especially regarding regional integration and sustainable growth
“Pakistan views ECO as a vital platform for regional prosperity through shared growth and connectivity,” the PM said prior to departure.
Strategic Importance of ECO
Established in 1985, the ECO is a regional intergovernmental organization aiming to promote:
- Economic and technical cooperation
- Cross-border infrastructure projects
- Trade liberalization among Muslim-majority and Eurasian states
The summit is expected to conclude with a Baku Declaration, outlining actionable steps toward a green, integrated ECO region.
Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines
In addition to summit proceedings, PM Shehbaz will hold bilateral talks with:
- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
- Turkish and Iranian leaders
- Delegates from Central Asian republics
Topics are expected to include defense cooperation, investment opportunities, energy security, and regional stability.
#ECO2025 #ShehbazSharif #PakistanInAzerbaijan #GreenConnectivity #RegionalIntegration #GwadarToCentralAsia #PakAzerbaijanRelations
