President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, on July 4, according to the president’s press service.
The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, was also attended by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian; the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov; the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon; the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif; the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov; the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov; the Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar; the Secretary-General of the ECO, Asad Majid Khan; and heads of delegations from several other states and regional organizations.
The summit participants discussed prospects for further development of multifaceted cooperation within the ECO framework and exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues.
In his opening remarks, the President of Uzbekistan highlighted contemporary challenges to security and sustainable development.
The leader of Uzbekistan reiterated the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes through diplomacy and constructive negotiations.
It was emphasized that achieving peace and stability in the Middle East is impossible without a fair resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Turning to the agenda of the meeting, the President of Uzbekistan drew attention to several pertinent issues.
First and foremost, to advance the organization’s development priorities in the medium and long term, he noted the importance of adopting the concept of “Strategic Goals for Economic Partnership – 2035.” In addition to traditional areas of cooperation, the document should focus on strengthening cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.
Issues of simplifying trade in goods and services, gradually eliminating technical and non-tariff barriers, and developing e-commerce remain particularly relevant.
To discuss strategic issues in this area and adopt the Trade Facilitation Agreement, it was proposed to hold a meeting of trade ministers in Tashkent this year.
The head of state also initiated the creation of a system of “green corridors” for the prompt exchange of information on trade in agricultural products and their unhindered delivery.
The importance of adopting a long-term “EcoInvest” program to elevate investment cooperation to a new level and create a more transparent and attractive investment environment was noted.
“The main goal of the program should be to widely involve private investors, banks, and international financial institutions in promising projects in our region,” – emphasized the leader of Uzbekistan.
The formation of alternative transport corridors was identified as a strategic priority in the current geopolitical environment. It was noted that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which in the future could be aligned with the promising Trans-Afghan corridor, would effectively connect transit networks in a vast region.
The head of state also proposed accelerating the establishment of a Digital Transport and Customs Department to streamline the digitalization of the transport and logistics sector.
“Our current tasks include opening new air routes in the region, introducing innovative formats of cooperation between airlines, and developing integrated marketing strategies in the fields of tourism and aviation,” – stated the head of Uzbekistan.
To discuss these issues, it was proposed to organize a forum of national airlines in Samarkand this year.
The existence of significant potential for doubling the tourist flow was noted. The adoption of a “road map” to expand tourism services within the organization will contribute to achieving this goal.
Noting the importance of joining efforts in addressing the global climate agenda, the President initiated the development of a cross-border “green program” to create forests and recreational areas in desert territories.
Positively assessing the work of the High-Level Committee, the leader of Uzbekistan proposed tasking it with preparing specific recommendations for improving the ECO’s activities by the next summit.
“Reforms will serve to develop our cooperation at a new level, further strengthening the organization’s authority in the international arena,” – noted the President.
In conclusion, the head of state expressed confidence that the current summit will provide a powerful impetus and open a new stage in multifaceted practical cooperation within the Economic Cooperation Organization.