Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity, multimodal transport corridors, sustainable development, and climate-resilient cooperation. He was addressing the 29th meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers held virtually today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that in pursuit of the ECO Vision 2025, Pakistan remains steadfast in its efforts to advance the goals of regional connectivity through integrated and efficient transport corridors. He expressed that Pakistan believes the focus of the 29th ECO Council of Ministers, “Advancing Regional Transport Connectivity and Sustainable Development,” is both timely and consistent with the ECO vision.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that to realize the dream of regional connectivity, it is imperative to create an environment of peace and security. He highlighted that the ECO vision of regional connectivity requires collective efforts by the member states to address the serious security challenges faced by the region. He urged the ECO member states to confront terrorism to establish a strong foundation for economic cooperation in the region, noting that without effectively overcoming this common threat, the dreams of seamless regional connectivity would remain a challenge.

Ishaq Dar congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, on assuming the office of Foreign Minister and for the successful hosting of the 29th ECO Council of Ministers meeting. He also mentioned that Pakistan looks forward to welcoming member States at the 30th ECO Council of Ministers meeting in Pakistan next year.