Pakistan to push regional connectivity at ECO ministerial meeting

Pakistan is set to host the 30th session of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Council of Ministers on November 15 and 16, with regional connectivity, economic partnerships and integration expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will chair the meeting, which will bring together foreign ministers and heads of delegations from ECO member states, the Foreign Office said.

The meeting comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its role in regional cooperation and position itself as a hub for connectivity, trade and logistics under its 2026-27 ECO chairmanship.

The Foreign Office said a meeting of senior officials would also take place ahead of the ministerial session to review the organisation’s activities, programmes and the performance of its affiliated institutions. The officials will finalise the ministerial meeting’s agenda and draft documents for its concluding declaration.

Pakistan outlines priorities for ECO chairmanship

Pakistan’s theme for its 2026-27 chairmanship is “Revival of Regionalism for a Resilient ECO”, with a focus on regional connectivity and economic integration.

According to the Foreign Office, Islamabad aims to promote collective efforts for regional partnerships, prosperity and sustainable development, while making the ECO a more effective platform for dialogue, cooperation and economic collaboration.

The priorities include positioning Pakistan as a regional connectivity hub, facilitating logistics and supply chains, and helping shape the regional trade agenda.

Separately, the Foreign Office said Dar chaired a meeting on November 13 to review preparations for upcoming multilateral engagements, including the ECO Council of Ministers meeting and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting scheduled to be held in Islamabad in 2027.

Discussions focused on Pakistan’s priorities for the engagements, particularly regional cooperation, economic partnerships and connectivity. Dar stressed the need for close coordination and substantive preparations to advance shared interests and strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with regional partners and multilateral organisations.

Foreign dignitaries arrive in Islamabad

Meanwhile, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to attend the 30th ECO Council of Ministers meeting.

He was received at the airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Foreign Office.

The meeting is expected to provide a platform for ECO member states to explore ways to harness their economic potential, strengthen regional partnerships and improve the lives of their populations through greater cooperation.