WEBDESK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), taking place from July 3 to 4.
This year’s summit is being held under the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”
The Prime Minister will lead Pakistan’s delegation and is expected to speak on important regional and global issues.
At the summit, he will present the Pakistani perspectives on economic collaboration and the necessity to intensify the ties between the members of the ECO.
PR No.1️⃣9️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 2, 2025
Curtain Raiser: Prime Minister to Attend 17th ECO Summit in Baku Azerbaijan https://t.co/GFJfmV2JL6
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He will emphasise the readiness of the country to support the ECO Vision 2025 and the significance of enhancing the regional trade, strengthening transport and energy connections and enhancing sustainable development.
Bilateral issues and regional cooperation will also be discussed during meetings that Prime Minister Shehbaz will have with the leaders of other ECO member countries on the sidelines of the summit.
Pakistan is expected to once again raise the issue of climate change, a matter it has long flagged on global forums.
Despite contributing less than one per cent to the world’s carbon emissions, the country remains among the most climate-vulnerable nations.
Changing weather patterns, unusually high temperatures, and fast-melting glaciers continue to trigger floods, droughts, and other natural disasters, putting pressure on food supplies, public health systems, and the national economy.
One-on-one meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz and other leaders of the ECO are also expected during the summit.
Some of the issues that will probably be discussed in these talks include regional peace, economic relations, environmental challenges, and how to enhance the relationship between member states.
The ECO was initially established in 1964 under the auspices of Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) and this was reformed and expanded in 1985.
Nowadays, it has ten member states distributed in South, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Pakistan has been an active participant over the years, promoting regional integration through trade, transportation and energy cooperation.
The Prime Minister will also reiterate their support of the ECO Vision 2025 at the upcoming Baku summit and will present the country’s view of regional and global issues.
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