ECO chief says Azerbaijan plays “guiding role” in regional cooperation

Azerbaijan is playing a leading role in shaping regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization Asad Majeed Khan said in remarks to Report.

Khan highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing influence in tackling environmental challenges, particularly through its leadership in global climate initiatives.

"In this regard, we have great hopes for Azerbaijan's future role and believe that it will play a guiding role for the region," teh secretary general said. 

He noted that countries in the region are facing mounting environmental pressures, including desertification, land degradation, floods, and droughts, and said Azerbaijan’s experience in the COP process is valuable for regional cooperation.

Khan also described Azerbaijan as one of the most active contributors within the ECO framework, pointing to its role in hosting key multilateral gatherings.

"The organization's latest – 17th Summit was held in Azerbaijan. It was a historic summit because we were able to bring together the entire family of ECO institutions and at the same time received important guiding recommendations from the leadership," he added.

Looking ahead, he said ECO member states are preparing for a key tourism meeting scheduled to take place in the city of Shusha on April 29.

"I will also personally participate in this event. This meeting is particularly important because the city of Shusha will be officially declared as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026. At the same time, Azerbaijan will present a calendar of events related to Shusha and will conduct extensive promotion towards the recognition of the city as the ECO tourism capital," Khan stressed. 

Khan added that Azerbaijan continues to play an active role in promoting regional tourism, including through initiatives such as the ECO Silk Road tourism project.

By Sabina Mammadli