Central Asian leaders stress regional cooperation on climate, energy, trade at ECO summit

Central Asian leaders have underscored the urgent need for enhanced regional collaboration to tackle shared challenges such as climate change, energy security, and economic integration at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Azerbaijan’s Khankendi on July 4. 

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov highlighted climate change as a global threat demanding joint action, especially in transitioning energy sectors toward renewables, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“Climate change affects all countries, requiring a review of all life spheres, including energy. We must intensify efforts to expand renewable energy sources,” he said, also noting Kyrgyzstan’s upcoming hosting of the Second Global Mountain Summit ‘Bishkek+25’ in 2027.

Japarov emphasised the strategic importance of infrastructure projects like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which will boost connectivity and economic growth across the region. He called for simplification of transport and customs processes among ECO states to facilitate trade and foreign investment, alongside enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon echoed the call for unified energy strategies, stressing that the industrial sector’s expansion of renewable energy is critical to sustaining economic growth.

He stated that developing a unified energy market for ECO members is essential, stating that one of the country's top priority is constructing power plants and increasing energy production are among our top priorities.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov praised Azerbaijan’s hosting of the summit in Khankendi as a symbol of regional stability and peace, while expressing gratitude for Azerbaijan’s assistance during recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing economic leadership in the region and the importance of strengthening regional dialogue.

Together, these leaders conveyed a shared vision: advancing sustainable development through cooperative energy initiatives, infrastructure connectivity, and trade facilitation—all vital to ensuring economic resilience and regional stability amid global and regional challenges.

Addressing the event, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, said that the ECO has significant potential to boost energy cooperation among member states.

He proposed the establishment of a coordination mechanism for the energy policies of ECO member countries.

Highlighting Turkmenistan’s vision, Meredov underscored the importance of adopting a new strategic document outlining the ECO’s goals up to the year 2035. He also proposed the creation of a Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the ECO member states.

Meredov expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting the summit in Khankendi at a high level.

By Sabina Mammadli