New York: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the 27th Informal Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in New York, coinciding with the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting focused on regional cooperation and economic integration under Pakistan’s chairmanship for 2026-2027.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to ECO Member States for their confidence in Pakistan’s leadership and reiterated the country’s commitment to the organization’s goals. He highlighted concerns over regional security and urged peaceful resolutions in line with international law. The meeting underscored the need for member states to work collectively for peace and prosperity in the region.

The Deputy Prime Minister detailed Pakistan’s priorities, including enhancing intra-regional trade, connectivity, and the establishment of a digitally enabled ECO Free Trade Area. He also emphasized cooperation on climate resilience. High-level representatives from ECO Member States participated, including Foreign Ministers from Azerbaijan, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan, among others.

The meeting facilitated discussions on regional and global developments and paved the way for the upcoming 30th ECO Council of Ministers Meeting in Islamabad in November 2026. Pakistan aims to collaborate closely with ECO nations to achieve shared regional objectives.