ECO foreign ministers meet in Islamabad today

The Economic Cooperation Organization's (ECO) foreign ministers' meeting began on Sunday in Islamabad, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, Dunya News reported.

The meeting will focus on regional trade, energy, transport, and a joint strategy to connect Central Asia to global markets.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugrul Oglu are attending the meeting, along with foreign ministers from Tajikistan and Iran, and deputy foreign ministers from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

The deputy foreign minister of Turkey will also participate in the meeting, but Afghan Foreign Minister was not invited.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will address the opening ceremony, followed by ECO Secretary General Asad Majid Khan and foreign ministers of member countries.

The meeting will discuss promoting economic and trade relations among member countries, regional cooperation, energy sector collaboration, and improving transport infrastructure.

The foreign ministers are also expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and have a luncheon in their honor.

The ECO has 10 member countries and three observers, and the meeting in Pakistan is seen as important for exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation and trade links in the region.

The organization aims to promote economic cooperation and development among its member countries, which include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

The meeting in Islamabad provides a platform for the member countries to discuss and address regional issues and opportunities for economic growth and cooperation.