Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a powerful address at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in Khankandi, Azerbaijan, where he called for stronger regional collaboration, urgent climate response, and unity against destabilizing forces in the region.
He began his keynote speech by congratulating Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for successfully hosting the summit and expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality extended in the culturally rich city of Khankandi. He also praised the leadership of Kazakhstan’s President as the current ECO Chair, commending his contributions toward regional integration.
Speaking on the theme “Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future,” PM Shehbaz said ECO countries must come together to address the worsening effects of climate change. He reminded delegates that Pakistan is among the top ten countries most affected by climate change, with the devastating 2022 floods affecting over 33 million people. He proposed enhanced climate financing, ecotourism promotion, energy conservation measures, and a Low Emission Corridor to jointly tackle environmental challenges.
In a significant policy push, the Prime Minister stressed the need for shared technological progress and knowledge expansion to drive collective economic growth in the region. He said that technological advancement and regional integration were vital for a prosperous and resilient future.
The Prime Minister also used the ECO platform to issue a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, calling them “illegal and illogical” provocations designed to destabilize the region. He further denounced India’s recent actions in occupied Kashmir and criticized New Delhi’s moves to weaponize water resources and undermine the Indus Waters Treaty, calling such acts “unilateral aggression.”
PM Shehbaz also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine, Kashmir, and Iran, saying “The siege of Gaza is a man-made humanitarian disaster.” He lauded the valor of Pakistan’s armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in defending the country’s sovereignty.
He welcomed ECO’s declaration of Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, calling it an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s rich heritage and culture. Highlighting the strategic importance of the Turkey-Iran-Pakistan Transport Corridor, he called for renewed momentum to boost regional connectivity and trade.
“Together, we must transform our region into a hub of peace, development, and climate resilience,” the Prime Minister concluded.
