President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressing journalists aboard his return flight from Azerbaijan, outlined Türkiye’s proactive role in shaping regional cooperation and sustainable development following his participation in the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit in Khankendi.

The summit, hosted in a symbolically significant location recently liberated by Azerbaijan, gathered leaders from across the ECO member states to chart a shared path forward in the face of mounting global and regional challenges.

Erdoğan emphasized the strategic and historical importance of the ECO, which has expanded into a major regional bloc since its establishment in 1985. Now encompassing over 8 million square kilometers and serving more than 500 million people, the organization serves as a critical geopolitical and economic bridge linking the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

“The ECO is more than a cooperative body—it is a reflection of the shared identity, values, and aspirations of our peoples,” Erdoğan said. “Its mission aligns with our vision of strengthening solidarity, mutual development, and inclusive growth across the region.”

This year’s summit, themed “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future,” marked a pivotal moment in the organization's evolution. Erdoğan underscored the importance of environmental stewardship and climate adaptation for ECO countries, many of which are disproportionately affected by climate change, water scarcity, and natural disasters.

“We must act collectively to ensure a future where economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation,” Erdoğan noted. He called for investment in green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development, emphasizing that Türkiye is ready to share its experiences and technical expertise with fellow member states.

During the summit, Erdoğan proposed a series of reforms to enhance ECO’s operational capacity, urging a shift toward a more results-driven, project-based model. A central focus was the formulation of the ECO Vision 2035, a strategic roadmap designed to streamline coordination and deliver tangible outcomes in trade, transport, energy, and digital transformation.

“We must modernize the institutional structure of ECO,” he asserted. “With greater cohesion and clear benchmarks, we can accelerate integration, create new markets, and elevate the living standards of our citizens.”

Türkiye, Erdoğan highlighted, plays a central role in hosting several key ECO bodies, including the ECO Trade and Development Bank in Istanbul, which is instrumental in financing cross-border infrastructure and trade facilitation.

President Erdoğan also spotlighted the role of tourism in fostering regional unity and economic revitalization. He announced that Erzurum, a historic and culturally rich city in eastern Türkiye, has been named the ECO Tourism Capital for 2025.

“As part of this honor, we are organizing nearly 50 major events, ranging from winter sports competitions and economic forums to gastronomy and cultural festivals,” Erdoğan said. He stressed the importance of showcasing regional heritage while strengthening intra-regional tourism networks. He also voiced enthusiasm for Shusha, Azerbaijan, which will assume the role of ECO Tourism Capital in 2026.

The summit also offered a platform for high-level diplomacy. Erdoğan held bilateral discussions with several regional leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Their talks focused heavily on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Erdoğan reiterating Türkiye’s commitment to transforming the current ceasefire into lasting peace and regional stability.

“The situation in Gaza remains dire, and I once again extended condolences for our Palestinian brothers and sisters who were martyred in Israel’s brutal attacks,” he said. “Türkiye will continue to work for justice and peace, using every diplomatic channel available.”

He also engaged with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and leaders from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, highlighting Türkiye’s efforts to build solidarity and advance common interests throughout the ECO region.

The presence of TRNC President Ersin Tatar as an observer carried significant symbolic weight. Erdoğan praised the recognition of Northern Cyprus within the ECO framework as a step toward greater regional inclusivity and political legitimacy.

Amid rising global protectionism, Erdoğan addressed concerns about new U.S. tariffs and their ripple effects on global trade. He pointed out that such trends have accelerated the need for stronger regional blocs and self-reliant economic networks.

“In this rapidly changing global landscape, regional collaboration offers both resilience and opportunity,” he said. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for trade liberalization, logistics integration, and customs harmonization among ECO states.

“We are committed to building a regional economy that is dynamic, interconnected, and inclusive,” he added. “Türkiye is prepared to enhance trade with Central Asian countries, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan—supporting them through alternative financial models and technological partnerships.”

President Erdoğan closed by reiterating Türkiye’s deep-rooted commitment to the Economic Cooperation Organisation. “We see the ECO not just as an economic alliance but as a collective journey grounded in brotherhood, sovereignty, and mutual advancement,” he said. “As we look ahead, our efforts will continue to shape a region defined by stability, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.”

Türkiye’s active and visionary engagement at the 17th ECO Summit reaffirmed its central role in steering the region toward a more connected and resilient future—guided by cooperation, not competition; and grounded in shared values and a desire for collective progress. (ILKHA)