Afghanistan Proposes Hosting 18th ECO Summit in Kabul, Calls for Recognition and Regional Cooperation

During the 17th ECO Summit held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, on Friday, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, proposed that the 18th ECO summit be held in Kabul. Baradar stated that Afghanistan is fully prepared to host the event and warmly welcome all participants.

Baradar highlighted the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) balanced, economy-focused foreign policy, which has led to its recognition by Russia. He welcomed this step and called on other ECO member states to follow suit by formally recognizing Afghanistan’s legitimate political reality.

The Deputy PM emphasized Afghanistan’s strategic role in regional economic projects and its readiness to cooperate in key areas such as trade, investment, energy, transportation, agriculture, environmental protection, and climate change. He urged ECO member states to work closely with a stable and cooperative Afghanistan to strengthen economic and regional ties.

Baradar also reiterated Afghanistan’s solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine, stating: “The oppression being inflicted upon the innocent people of Gaza must come to an end without delay. We fully support the liberation of Palestine and the preservation of the Islamic identity of Al-Quds.”

The 17th ECO summit was attended by presidents, prime ministers, and senior officials of member states, who emphasized the importance of fostering full cooperation and coordination among ECO countries in political, economic, trade, transit, transport, cultural relations, regional connectivity, and investment.