ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fully operationalise key regional connectivity projects, sustainable development, and climate-resilient cooperation.
He was addressing the 29th meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers held virtually on Friday, a press release issued by the Foreign Office said.
Emphasising the importance of regional cooperation, the DPM highlighted the vital role of ECO in advancing prosperity, economic integration, and connectivity.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025 and noted that, as the incoming Chair of the ECO Council of Ministers, Pakistan intends to work closely with Member States to finalise the ECO Vision 2026–2035.
He said Pakistan believes that the focus of the 29th ECO Council of Ministers, “Advancing Regional Transport Connectivity and Sustainable Development”, is both timely and consistent with the ECO vision.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s liberalised visa policy, enabling easier access for businesspersons and tourists from 126 countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that to realise the dream of regional connectivity, it is imperative to create an environment of peace and security.
He said the ECO vision of regional connectivity requires collective efforts by the member states to address the serious security challenges faced by our region.
He urged the ECO member states to confront terrorism to establish a strong foundation for economic cooperation in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 delivered Pakistan’s statement at the 29th ECO Council of Ministers Meeting, held virtually today. pic.twitter.com/NHFRHns8CF
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 28, 2025
The Deputy Prime Minister said that without effectively overcoming this common threat, our dreams of seamless regional connectivity would remain a challenge.
Ishaq Dar congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, on assuming the office of Foreign Minister and for the successful hosting of the 29th ECO-Council of Ministers meeting.
He said Pakistan looks forward to welcoming member States at the 30th ECO-COM in Pakistan next year.
