Pakistan to host major ECO meeting in Islamabad on November 15-16

Pakistan is set to host an important regional diplomatic gathering as the 30th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers takes place in Islamabad on November 15 and 16, bringing together foreign ministers and senior representatives from member states to discuss stronger economic ties, regional connectivity and shared development goals.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will chair the two-day ministerial meeting. Foreign ministers and heads of delegations from ECO member countries, alongside representatives of the organisation’s secretariat and subsidiary bodies, are expected to participate.

The high-level gathering will provide an opportunity for member states to review regional challenges, strengthen economic partnerships and explore practical ways to accelerate cooperation.

Ahead of the ministerial session, senior officials from ECO member countries will meet to review the organisation’s ongoing activities and programmes. They will also assess the performance of its subsidiary bodies and finalise the agenda and draft outcome documents for consideration by the ministers.

Pakistan, which holds the ECO chairmanship for 2026-27, plans to use the opportunity to strengthen its regional leadership under the theme, “Reviving Regionalism for a Resilient ECO”.

The Foreign Office said the country’s priorities would include improving regional connectivity, expanding economic integration, deepening partnerships and promoting collective efforts for sustainable development and prosperity.

A major focus will be on positioning Pakistan as a regional connectivity hub by facilitating logistics and supply chains while helping shape a stronger regional trade agenda. Islamabad believes closer cooperation among member states could unlock significant economic opportunities and translate regional partnerships into tangible benefits for their populations.

The meeting also reflects Pakistan’s growing emphasis on regional economic diplomacy and its commitment to strengthening the ECO as a platform for dialogue, cooperation and economic collaboration.

Last month, Ishaq Dar directed relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive coordination and timely preparations for the ministerial meeting, highlighting the importance Islamabad attaches to the regional organisation.

The upcoming gathering follows the 17th ECO Summit, held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, on July 3-4, 2025. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led Pakistan’s delegation at the summit, where regional leaders discussed economic integration and cooperation.

During the summit, Pakistan called for greater intra-regional trade, improved transport connectivity, energy cooperation and sustainable development while reaffirming its commitment to ECO Vision 2025.

With Islamabad preparing to welcome regional representatives, the November meeting is expected to offer an important opportunity to turn diplomatic commitments into practical cooperation and strengthen economic links across the ECO region.