Islamabad, January 19, 2025 – The Europe Today: Together with colleagues from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), His Excellency Alisher Tukhtaev, His Excellency Khazar Farhadov, and His Excellency Reza Amiri-Moghaddam visited Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The event witnessed the participation of ambassadors from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Nepal, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, and diplomats from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The distinguished guests were introduced to the advanced capabilities of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to address climate challenges and respond effectively to emergencies.
Discussions during the visit focused on pressing regional issues, including:
- The rising temperatures and their profound impact on the region.
- Problems faced by coastal zones.
- The critical necessity for collaborative efforts to prevent disasters.
The delegation also explored the idea of establishing a regional framework for disaster risk reduction (DRR), emphasizing knowledge exchange and enhanced preparedness for emergencies.
ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad Majeed Khan highlighted that ECO member countries collectively endure annual losses of $70 million due to climate-related disasters, underlining the importance of regional cooperation to mitigate these risks.
Pakistan’s serious commitment to addressing environmental and climate issues was commended, with Uzbekistan reaffirming its support for regional stability and security. Friendly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan continue to strengthen through mutual initiatives and cooperation.
