Kyrgyz leader heads to Azerbaijan for 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov is set to embark on a two-day working visit to Azerbaijan on July 3, where he will take part in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), hosted in the city of Khankendi.

The upcoming visit was confirmed by Sagynbek Abdumutalip, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of Kyrgyzstan’s Presidential Administration, according to reports from Kyrgyz media sources, cited by Caliber.Az.

Abdumutalip highlighted that this year’s summit will centre around the theme: “A New Vision of the ECO for a Reliable and Climate-Resilient Future.” The gathering will bring together leaders and officials from ECO member states to deliberate on a range of pressing issues, with particular emphasis on collective measures to combat climate change and foster environmental sustainability across the region.

Adding a symbolic touch to his visit, President Japarov is also scheduled to attend the official opening of the “Aikol Manas” school in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district — a project fully funded and constructed by the Kyrgyz government, reflecting the growing ties between the two nations.

Azerbaijan will host the ECO Summit on July 3–4, 2025, marking a significant moment not just for the country but for the broader push towards economic integration and climate action within the ECO framework.

In the lead-up to the summit, ECO Week unfolded across several cities in Azerbaijan, showcasing a series of high-profile events aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors.

On July 1, Aghdam hosted the ECO Youth Forum, bringing together young leaders to discuss inclusive development and resilience in the face of climate change. The following day, the city of Lachin welcomed participants to the Women’s Forum, which focused on gender equality and empowerment within the context of sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, on July 2, the city of Fuzuli played host to the 6th ECO Business Forum, where business leaders and policymakers gathered to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and economic connectivity — vital engines for the region’s long-term prosperity.

By Tamilla Hasanova