Mashhad, December 4, 2024 – The Europe Today: A Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov participated in the 28th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Tuesday in Mashhad, Iran, according to a statement from Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting brought together foreign ministers from ECO member countries, heads of specialized institutions, regional bodies, and organizational divisions. Key topics on the agenda included strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, green economy, digitalization, energy, ecology, agriculture, and transport.
During the discussions, participants explored strategies to develop trade and economic ties and identify new avenues for economic growth. The Council also approved the work program, the secretariat’s activity reports, and the budget for 2025. The chairmanship of ECO transitioned from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In his address, Gurbanov highlighted the significance of ECO’s conceptual documents, such as ECO Vision 2025 and the Ashgabat Consensus for Action. These frameworks provide a foundation for addressing new challenges and guide the organization’s joint efforts. Gurbanov presented Turkmenistan’s initiatives focused on transport and logistics infrastructure, energy development, and proposals for enhancing cooperation in industry, cross-border trade, and food security.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the Mashhad Communiqué, which outlines strategic initiatives to further enhance regional cooperation across various sectors.
On the sidelines of the forum, Gurbanov met with ECO Secretary-General Asad Majid Khan. The Secretary-General acknowledged Turkmenistan’s growing influence within the organization and commended the country’s significant initiatives. They discussed ways to enhance the effectiveness of ECO and further advance Turkmen projects in transport and tourism.
Ahead of the ministerial meeting, senior officials of ECO gathered in Mashhad on December 2 to finalize preparations for the high-level discussions.
