Azerbaijan steps into spotlight with ECO’s 17th summit set for Khankendi

Azerbaijan is set to host the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in Khankendi later this year, marking a significant milestone for the country's regional engagement. 

The announcement was made by Rovshan Mirzoyev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a panel discussion on “Azerbaijan and the ECO: Opportunities and Prospects”, Caliber.Az reports.

Mirzoyev noted that this year’s summit will revolve around the theme of sustainable development and climate-resilient economic cooperation, reflecting the growing importance of environmental priorities in regional policymaking.

The upcoming gathering follows the 16th ECO Summit held in Tashkent on November 9, 2023. 

Established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye, the Economic Cooperation Organisation expanded in 1992 to include seven additional members — Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — forming a ten-member bloc dedicated to fostering deeper regional integration.

With a focus on trade, transport, energy, and agriculture, ECO’s institutions are spread across member states: the Secretariat and Cultural Institute in Iran, the Trade and Development Bank and Educational Institute in Türkiye, and the Science Foundation in Pakistan. 

The ECO aims to foster sustainable economic growth and regional integration through joint initiatives and policy coordination.

By Tamilla Hasanova