PM Shehbaz Calls for Regional Solidarity, Meets Leaders of Turkiye, Iran & Uzbekistan at ECO Summit

Khankendi, Azerbaijan ,Lahore /– Ali Imran Chattha

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called for stronger regional cooperation during his address at the 17th ECO Summit, urging member states to unite against shared challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical threats.

He highlighted Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities, referencing the 2022 floods that displaced over 33 million people, and recent loss of life due to extreme weather. The Prime Minister proposed joint ECO initiatives, including low-emission corridors, a regional disaster resilience system, and climate finance frameworks to support sustainable growth and green job creation.

Condemning Israel’s recent strike on Iran, PM Shehbaz called it “unlawful and unjustified,” expressing solidarity with the Iranian people. He also strongly criticized India’s unprovoked aggression following an incident in IIOJK, and condemned India’s violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, terming them an act of water aggression against Pakistan.

The Prime Minister urged swift implementation of ECO Vision 2025, especially the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and regional transport and energy corridors. He welcomed the designation of Lahore as ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, inviting members to explore Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.

Key Bilateral Meetings

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz held important bilateral meetings with:

President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran: The two leaders condemned Israeli aggression and reaffirmed mutual support on regional issues, including Palestine and IIOJK. They agreed to enhance trade, border cooperation, and connectivity initiatives.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkiye: Both sides discussed expanding ties in trade, energy, defense, and investment, agreeing to expedite ministerial-level exchanges to finalize joint projects.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan: The two leaders emphasized advancing the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, deepening trade, cultural ties, and finalizing bilateral agreements through upcoming high-level visits

PM Shehbaz’s participation at the summit reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional unity, peace, economic integration, and shared prosperity.

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