Afghan Delegation Led by Mullah Baradar to Attend ECO Summit in BakuA high-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, departed for Baku, Azerbaijan, on the morning of Tuesday, 10 Saratan 1404 (July 1, 2025), to participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Kabul 24: The delegation’s visit, made at the official invitation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, marks a significant step in Afghanistan’s efforts to strengthen its regional economic ties and enhance its presence on the international stage.During the visit, Mullah Baradar is scheduled to deliver a speech at the ECO General Assembly, highlighting Afghanistan’s economic priorities and its vision for regional cooperation. In addition, he will hold bilateral meetings with senior Azerbaijani officials and representatives of other ECO member states. These discussions will focus on fostering stronger bilateral and multilateral ties, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, transit, and regional connectivity. The meetings aim to pave the way for new agreements that could bolster Afghanistan’s economic integration with neighboring countries and beyond.The 17th ECO Summit, set to take place on July 3-4, 2025, in Baku, will bring together heads of state, prime ministers, and senior officials from member countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Central Asian nations. Established in 1985, the ECO serves as a platform to promote economic and commercial collaboration among its members. Afghanistan, as an active member, seeks to leverage this summit to showcase its strategic geographic position, abundant natural resources, and transit potential to attract regional investment and support for infrastructure development.This visit represents one of the Islamic Emirate’s most prominent engagements in a regional economic forum, signaling Kabul’s commitment to rebuilding international relations and fostering economic growth.
The delegation’s participation is expected to open new avenues for cooperation, facilitate trade agreements, and promote sustainable development initiatives that could improve the livelihoods of Afghans. By engaging with regional partners, Afghanistan aims to solidify its role as a key player in fostering economic stability and connectivity across the region.
