Azerbaijan plays coordinating role within ECO

Azerbaijan has a coordinating role within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Political commentator Ilgar Valizada, PhD in Economics, told Report.

The expert believes that ECO is an organization that plays an important role in the system of regional relations:

"Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Iran, and Central Asian countries are represented in the organization. At the current stage, the relations between these members are very important. Because complex processes are taking place on the world's economic and political stage. We observe not only the erosion of political security but also the disruption of economic relations. The activities of such organizations make it possible to prevent this erosion in their geography."

Highlighting that Baku has close cooperation ties with ECO countries, Valizada emphasized that through this, Azerbaijan is integrated into the Central Asian agenda and also actively participates in relations between Türkiye and Central Asian countries:

"On the other hand, very close relations have been established with brotherly Pakistan. The mutual visits of the heads of state and government of both countries also indicate this. In addition, relations with Iran, an ECO country, are being built constructively, especially in the economic field. In a few days, the President of Iran will visit Azerbaijan. All this indicates that Azerbaijan indeed has a coordinating role within the ECO."

The expert also noted that Azerbaijan has always been engaged in discussing specific issues and fulfilling priorities within the ECO:

"In this regard, the implementation of energy and road transport projects connects all countries in the ECO geography and creates opportunities for expanding economic cooperation. It should also be noted that ECO countries are located on the ancient Silk Road. In modern times, the weight of the new Silk Road is increasing, which consequently activates the role of these countries. They occupy a significant place in the construction of transcontinental road infrastructure. That is, ECO countries have both geographical potential and rich resources."

According to Valizada, Azerbaijan's hosting the 17th summit of the ECO will make an important contribution to the development of existing potential, along with the activities of the organization.