PM of Pakistan Lands in Azerbaijan for 17th ECO Summit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan today to attend the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit. The summit, held in Khankendi (Shusha) from July 3–4, centers on the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.” This marks another step in Pakistan's active role within the ECO, advocating stronger regional ties, trade, and climate action.

• ECO Vision 2025: Pakistan will reaffirm its commitment to the shared roadmap promoting trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, and green growth

• Deepening intra-regional trade

• Strengthening transport corridors & energy links

• Collaborating on sustainable development and climate resilience

• On the sidelines, PM Sharif will meet ECO member leaders to discuss mutual interests: trade expansion, infrastructure partnerships, renewable energy projects, and climate initiatives

• Pakistan and Azerbaijan continue to build upon their strategic, historic partnership, formalized since Pakistan’s early recognition of Azerbaijan in 1991

• Origin: Successor to Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), founded in 1964 by Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. Became ECO in 1985 when additional member states joined, including Azerbaijan in 1992, 

• Members: Ten countries—Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

• Economic scale: ECO’s combined trade volume is over US$76 billion, acting as a strategic bridge across Asia, Europe, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Central Asia

Climate action: Pakistan reiterates that despite contributing <1% of carbon emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate change, citing the devastating 2022 floods (33 million+ affected; US$30 billion losses) 

Digital diplomacy: Showcases Pakistan’s role in regional economic diplomacy, partnering with other nations on connectivity and climate-focused agendas

• Poised in contested territory: Choice of Khankendi (Shusha) highlights Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh and draws focus to regional geopolitics

• ECO Week: Complemented by youth, women, and business forums from July 1–4, focusing on inclusion, green policy, and trade 

• Pakistan’s leadership: PM’s dual commitment to economic integration and climate resilience enhances Pakistan’s voice on global multilateral platforms

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Azerbaijan and participation in the 17th ECO Summit mark a strategic effort to elevate Pakistan’s regional influence and climate diplomacy. By promoting intra-regional commerce, transport, and energy integration, and climate resilience, Pakistan plays a vital role in shaping Central-South Asia’s future. With bilateral talks on the table and thematic forums underway, the outcomes could have a lasting impact on connectivity, green development, and geopolitical collaboration.