ECO chief highlights Türkiye's key role in Eurasian growth

(MENAFN) The secretary-general of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Asad Majeed Khan, praised Türkiye as a central force driving growth in Eurasia, describing the country as the "engine" of regional development. During his visit to Ankara, Khan explained that Türkiye acts as a crucial bridge connecting South, Central, West Asia, and the Caucasus, positioning it as "a window to the Western world." He emphasized Türkiye's pivotal role in regional integration and growth, calling it the "linchpin" for the development of the broader region.

Khan also noted that his meetings with the ECO Educational Institute (ECOEI) and the ECO Seed Association (ECOSA) in Türkiye were insightful, helping him gain a deeper understanding of the Turkish perspective on regional cooperation. These discussions allowed him to highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by the organization and strengthen communication on the direction of future collaboration.

The ECO's long-term strategic plan is set to conclude in 2025, with Khan noting the organization's strong focus on enhancing regional connectivity, particularly through air, road, and rail infrastructure, as well as energy development. He highlighted that climate change, food security, and cultural cooperation are critical priorities for the organization, underlining the importance of these issues in the region's future.

Looking ahead, Khan mentioned that one of the key discussions during his visit was the need to develop a new vision for the next decade. He stressed the importance of economic and development cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including education, health, and trade, as ECO aims to address the pressing sustainable development challenges in the years to come.

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