Eco Regional Center

Eco Vision 2025
The ‘vision statement’ in the document incorporates the insight and desires of the ECO member countries for …

ECO CHRONICLE 2022 No:29
This issue of ECO Chronicle contains information on activities within ECO. It also includes interviews, articles and reports.

ECO annual Calendar of Events

ECO-RCRM In a Nutshell

12mashhad — ECO Secretary General Visits ECO Regional Center for Risk Management of Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM). During the 28th Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of ECO Member States (28th COM), held on December 2-3, 2024 in Mashhad, I.R. of Iran, the ECO Regional Center for Risk Management of Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM) had the honor of hosting His Excellency Secretary General of ECO, Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan, accompanied by his distinguished delegation. The visit was conducted with the objective of acquainting the delegation with the center’s operations, achievements, and strategic plans for the future. In the course of this joint session, Dr. Sina Samadi, Director of the ECO-RCRM, provided a comprehensive overview of the center’s activities, performance, and forthcoming initiatives, which garnered the attention and interest of the Secretary General. Additionally, Dr. Samadi elaborated on the ongoing projects and the specialized training programs offered by the center, aimed at enhancing the capacity of member states in addressing natural disasters. His Excellency Secretary General commended the efforts and progress made by the center and underscored the significance of advancing infrastructure related to natural disaster risk management, as well as fostering greater scientific and research collaboration among ECO member states. As part of the visit, the Secretary General and his delegation toured the center’s climate modeling laboratory and other state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insight into the center’s technological capabilities and ongoing projects.

mashhad2 — 28th ECO Council of Ministers Meeting Concludes in Mashhad. Mashhad – December 3, 2024. The 28th Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers (COM) successfully convened today in Mashhad, Iran, gathering Foreign Ministers and Deputy Foreign Ministers from the ECO countries. Also, ECO specialized agencies and subsidiary bodies, including the ECO Trade and Development Bank, ECO Science Foundation, ECO Cultural Institute and ECO Educational Institute, as well as observers and partner international organizations, including the Turkish Cypriot State, Organization of Turkic States, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, and CICA have attended the event. Chaired by H.E. Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the meeting revolved around the 2024’s theme “Year of Enhanced and Resilient ECO Region through Expansion of Intra-Regional Trade.” The Council of ECO Foreign Ministers discussed critical regional priorities, particularly trade, energy, transportation and environmental sustainability, with a shared commitment to strengthening regional integration and sustainable economic growth. The Council also guided the Organization’s future endeavors, particularly discussing development of the new ECO strategy, which will set out the roadmap beyond Vision 2025. The Council adopted the Mashhad Communiqué, a pivotal outcome document that sets strategic directions for ECO’s activities, reinforcing cooperation among Member States. The meeting also reviewed progress on key initiatives and projects, emphasizing the importance of collective action to address shared challenges and opportunities. The Council also emphasized ECO’s expanding global engagement, commending efforts to strengthen partnerships with international and regional organizations, including enhanced collaboration with United Nations agencies and other multilateral platforms. These relationships were recognized as pivotal to advancing ECO’s objectives and increasing its international visibility The 29th ECO Council of Ministers Meeting will take place in Kazakhstan in 2025, marking the next step in ECO’s mission to advance regional prosperity.

4559bd06-9dea-468f-92f6-92947477252b — ECO Commemorates Its Inception and Expansion Day Tehran – November 27, 2024 The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) commemorated its 39th Anniversary and 32nd Anniversary of Expansion during a special ECO Day Reception organized at the Institute of Political and International Studies in Tehran on November 27, 2024. The event brought together ambassadors and permanent representatives of member countries, diplomatic corps representatives, host government dignitaries and local guests. H.E. Mr. Amin Taarafo, Honourable Deputy Minister for Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran graced the occasion with her participation as the event’s Chief Guest. In his remarks, ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan highlighted ECO’s legacy in regional development, tracing its roots to 1964 when Iran, Pakistan and Türkiye established the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD). Renamed as the Economic Cooperation Organization in 1985, ECO expanded in 1992 to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Dr. Khan noted that 2024, declared by the current ECO Chair (Iran) as the “Year of Enhanced and Resilient ECO Region through Expansion of Intra-Regional Trade,” has seen significant progress

APDIM – ESCAP Director Visits ECO. Tehran – November 25, 2024. ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan, Secretary General had a bilateral meeting with the Director of Asia Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) – ESCAP Ms. Letizia Rossano. During the meeting, both sides exchanged ideas about fostering closer cooperation on disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the ECO Region. Highlighting that ECO Region is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, including sand and dust storms, earthquakes, floods etc., Secretary General Khan thanked APDIM for their ongoing supports on DRR related issues and requested the continuation of their support in this respect. He also invited APDIM for a presentation in a future CPR meeting on their activities, as well as proposals regarding the ECO Regional Framework on DRR which is to be revised in 2025. Briefing the Secretary General about APDIM’s works, Ms. Letizia Rossano noted that DDR issues are common challenges in the region and requires collective actions of all stakeholders to address them. Emphasizing APDIM’s capacity to facilitate collaboration on DRR in the region, she conveyed their readiness to cooperate with ECO Member States in this regard. fb-share-icon Tweet

314 — ECO Holds Ministerial Meeting on Circular Economy jointly with UNEP and COP29 Presidency. On 16 November 2024, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the COP29 Presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan convened the Ministerial Meeting on Circular Economy “Empowering Interregional Partnerships for Circular Economy Transition: Towards a Climate Resilient and Sustainable Future via Resource-Efficiency” on the margins of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku. The meeting was inaugurated by Ms. Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Dr. Asad M. Khan, Secretary General of ECO as keynote speakers.

a-strongest — ECO Advocates for Stronger Climate Commitments at COP29. At the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan delivered a statement at a High-Level Panel Discussion titled “Land Degradation and Climate Change: Losses, Damages, and Opportunities for Strengthening Cooperation among Countries of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Regions with Arid Climates.” Organized by Uzbekistan, the panel emphasized the nexus between climate change and land degradation, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation to address these intertwined challenges. Dr. Khan highlighted the vulnerability of the ECO region to these threats and discussed regional initiatives such as the ECO LandCare Programme 2021-2030. He emphasized the commitment of ECO countries to addressing climate change, noting that they are parties to most international climate frameworks. Dr. Khan called for a collective response to tackle climate change, advocating for the implementation of international legal frameworks, adherence to emission reduction commitments, increased climate financing, investment in renewable energy, and enhanced regional cooperation.

298 — ECO Holds the 289th Meeting of Council of Permanent Representatives Tehran – September 10, 2024. The 289th Meeting of the ECO Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR) was held on September 10, under the chairmanship of Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador Seyed Jalaledin Alavi Sabzevari. Welcoming the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Asad M. Khan, and Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Silapberdi Nurberdiyev at their CPR first meeting, the Council expressed their strong support to the Secretariat for pursuing the Organization’s objectives through closer cooperation among the Member States. In his remarks, Secretary General Asad M. Khan outlined his vision for enhanced regional cooperation within the ECO framework, identifying opportunities, as well as challenges for the Organization and the regional economic prospects. The meeting then discussed various issues on its agenda, including upcoming important ECO events

1111 — 14th New ECO Secretary General Assumes Responsibilities. Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan, a veteran Pakistani diplomat, has officially assumed his responsibilities as the 14th Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Over the years, Ambassador Khan has held various high-profile positions, including as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Ambassador in USA, EU, Belgium and Japan that have demonstrated his exceptional diplomatic acumen and commitment to enhancing regional and international collaboration. His extensive experience in economic diplomacy is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the ECO towards new heights, unlocking new avenues for collaboration among member states. The ECO Regional Center for Risk Management of Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM) is pleased to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. M. Khan on his appointment as the 14th Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The ECO-RCRM is confident that under Dr. Khan's leadership, cooperation among member states will be further strengthened, particularly in the areas of natural disasters risk management and resilience-building.

ECO Attends the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. An ECO delegation headed by Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri attended the 2024 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which convened under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council. The Forum is set to review in-depth SDGs 1, 2, 13, 16 and 17 this year under the theme of “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: the Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative Solutions.” Following up in the Political Decleration and other outcomes of the SDG Summit, the Forum will also contribute to the preparations for the Summit of the Future, to be held in September 2024. In the opening ceromony of the Forum, Ms. Poula Narvaez Ojeda, President of ECOSOC, emphasized the importance of collective efforts for achieving SDGs. Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of UN,⁠ noted the key role of innovative financing, PPP, social protection and digital transformation for achieving SDGs, in her opening remarks, further stating that this Forum is a chance to get a momentum for SDGs. ⁠Attended by country delegations, NGOs, as well as international and regional organizations, the Forum draws on the lessons learned, good practices and experiences of 37 countries conducting their Voluntary National Reviews.

ECO Secretary General Participates in 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri joined the distinguished assembly at the 24th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), in the SCO Plus format, held under the chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This high-caliber summit convened Heads of State and Government from SCO member countries, alongside leaders from various regional and international organisations, including the United Nations Secretary General. The summit marked a significant milestone with the induction of Belarus as the newest member of the SCO. The summit focused on pressing global issues, emphasizing climate change, environmental sustainability, terrorism, and economic inequality. Delegates stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat climate change through sustainable practices and green technologies. They recognized environmental stewardship as essential for global prosperity and stability. The summit also addressed terrorism, advocating for stronger international cooperation to eradicate it. Economic discussions highlighted the need for equitable growth and poverty eradication, promoting inclusive development and fair globalization benefits. Additionally, leaders called for a cohesive international framework to tackle emerging challenges, including the use of national currencies to enhance economic resilience.

۲۰۲۴۰۵۲۰_۱۳۰۷۳۸ — ECO Lowers Flag to Mourn the Loss of Iranian Leaders. The ECO Secretariat lowered the Organization’s flag (s) to half-mast to honour the the tragic loss of Iranian President H.E. Mr. Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister and ECO Chair H.E. Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash on Monday 20, 2024. In a solemn ceremony held at the Secretariat, Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri highlighted the dedication and significant contributions of the late Iranian President and Foreign Minister to Iran. He emphasized their roles in enhancing cooperation and development within the ECO region through their widely acclaimed leadership. Ambassador Noziri also extended heartfelt condolences and expressed solidarity with the people of Iran during this difficult time.

1-5 — ECO Mourns Tragic Loss of Iranian Leaders. The Economic Cooperation Organization mourns the tragic loss of Iranian President H.E. Mr. Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash yesterday. President Raisi was a visionary leader dedicated to Iran’s progress and prosperity. His commitment to economic development and regional cooperation significantly advanced ECO’s goals, bolstering Iran’s regional stature. Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, also ECO Chairman this year, played a pivotal role in enhancing regional cooperation and economic development. His leadership and efforts in diplomatic and economic collaboration were widely acclaimed. In solidarity with the people of Iran, ECO honors the memory of these leaders whose legacies will inspire continued regional cooperation and economic advancement.

415b3f9d-c496-430b-b48e-33a1c45467392 — 286th Meeting of CPR. With the participation of Pakistan’s new Permanent Representative to ECO, the ECO Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR) met on April 8, 2024.While making inclusive discussions on its agenda, the meeting highlighted the significance of some upcoming ECO events, notably the meeting of ECO Attorneys General in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and the inauguration ceremony of Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan, as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2024. Discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing regional cooperation through enhanced trade and connectivity with a view to fostering mutual growth and partnership for a more prosperous and interconnected ECO Region.

CRP — ECO Holds the 284th Meeting of Council of Permanent Representatives. The 284th Meeting of the ECO Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR) was held on January 30, at the ECO Headquarters. The Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Tehran and Permanent Representative to ECO Mr. Fariddin Nasriev joined the meeting for the first time. While welcoming the new Permanent Representative, ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri also expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Tehran and Permanent Representative to ECO Mr. Ali Alizade for his able chairmanship of the CPR during 2023, and welcomed the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador Seyed Jalaledin Alavi Sabzevari as the new chairman of the Council for 2024.

ECO Secretary General Participates in the 7th International Conference on Climate Change. ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri participated in the opening session of the 7th International Conference on Climate Change on January 29, 2024, in Tehran. Addressing the Conference as a keynote speaker, Ambassador Noziri highlighted the environmental, economic and social challenges and opportunities that climate change can bring to the ECO region. While underlining the dependence of collective economic and social well-being on nature, he emphasized the need to invest in our future by including the full value of nature in economic decision-making, as well as decoupling economic growth from resource use and greenhouse gas emissions. The Secretary General further noted that the ECO Region has the potential to become a forerunner in global transition to green development. It requires more inclusive and effective multilateralism and reinvigorating regional and global cooperation, he added. Ambassador Noziri also called upon all stakeholders to accelerate action to pave the way for brave decisions and decisive plans for collective climate action. He also recalled that the next UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) will be held later this year in the Republic of Azerbaijan and will provide an excellent opportunity to promote the regional climate change agenda. The Vice President and the Head of Department of Environment, and the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran also delivered statements at the opening ceremony of the Conference

555 — Attendance of Dr. Sina Samadi, Director of the ECO Regional Center for Risk Management Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM) in the Fourth ECO Experts Group Meeting (EGM) on Disasters Risk Reduction (DRR). The Fourth ECO Experts Group Meeting (EGM) on Disasters Risk Reduction (DRR) was hosted by the Geological Survey of Iran (GSI) at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Secretariat in Tehran. Dr. Sina Samadi, Director of ECO-RCRM, actively participated in the event, delivering a speech and presentation that highlighted the achievements and products of the ECO-RCR in the field of natural disaster management for the member estates. During the session, Dr. Samadi introduced the research and educational activities of the center over recent years, providing a comprehensive overview of the practical products developed for the benefit of ECO members. These products include the production of monitoring and forecasting maps for seasonal Temperature and precipitation, forest fires, Strong winds, droughts, snow cover, Icing, heatwaves, cold waves, sand and dust storms, and more. These updates are regularly published on the center's website at www.eco-rcrm.ir . The meeting, held from November 26 -29, 2023, focused on discussions related to disaster risk reduction within the ECO region and served as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.

expert3 — 4th Expert Group Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction. The 4th Expert Group Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction was held on 26-29 November 2023 in Tehran. The meeting brought together experts responsible for disaster risk reduction from Member States as well as representatives from regional and international institutions, including the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), ECO Regional Center for Risk Management of Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM), International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES) and Regional Education and Research Center on Earthquake Risk Management and Resilience for West and Central Asia (RCECWA). The meeting discussed the implementation status of the ECO Regional Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (ECORFDRR) and ongoing projects on disaster risk reduction as well as latest developments on disaster risk reduction in the ECO Region.

ECO Secretary General Meets With IRIMO’s President. The ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri met with the President of Iran Meteorological Organization (IRIMO) Ms. Sahar Taj Bakhsh on the sidelines of 4th Expert Group Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), organized at the ECO Secretariat on November 26, 2023. During the meeting, the two sides emphasized the need for enhancing ECO-IRIMO collaboration on DRR, particularly the importance of their mutual engagements on data governance and policies. They also underscored the significant aspects of risk reduction and disaster information management, and discussed opportunities of collaboration on sand and dust storm management in the region.

ECO2 — ECO Celebrates ECO Day The Economic Cooperation Organization celebrated the 31th Anniversary of its Expansion on November 28, 2023, -the ECO Day. Held at the ECO Cultural Institute in Tehran, the ECO Day Celebrations were attended by permanent representatives/ambassadors of the member countries, representatives of the diplomatic corps, dignitaries of the host government and some local guests.Addressing the gathering, the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri commended the Member States for their steady support the agenda of the Organization. Underlining the outcomes of the high-level ECO events in 2023, including the Council of Ministers Meetings and the 16th ECO Summit, he noted the Organization’s pleasure to see that the Member States are strongly committed to the mandate and goals of the Organization and appreciate ECO as a relevant and valuable instrument for strengthening cooperation and collaboration.

Visit of ECO-RCRM and IRIMO Delegations to ECO. On October 23, 2023, as per prior arrangements, Dr. Sina Samadi, Director of ECO Regional Center for Risk Management of Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM), and Dr. Hasan pour, Director General of Legal and International Affairs of Iran Meteorological Organization (IRIMO), paid a visit to the ECO Human Resource and Sustainable Development Directorate to explore avenues of cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction. Dr. Samadi, Director of RCRM, provided an overview of their activities and highlighted the conceptual perspectives on economic losses resulting from disasters. Also, the products and achievements of the center regarding the management of natural disasters, as well as the ongoing projects by the center, were fully explained. In this regard, the facilities and equipment of the center were also presented in the field of natural disaster management. Mr. Hasan Poor, Director General of Legal and International Affairs of Iran Meteorological Organization (IRIMO), emphasized the partnership between ECO and IRIMO, expressing their keen interest in collaborating with ECO on Disaster Risk Reduction efforts. Welcoming the visitors, HRSD Director, Dr. Husnu Tekin invited the two organizations to the secretariate And they expressed their gratitude for the actions taken and said that they hope these interactions will be more extensive.

The 27th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers (COM) was held in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on October 10, 2023. Chaired by H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the meeting was attended by the Honourable Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Türkiye and Republic of Uzbekistan and Deputies Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kyrgyz Republic. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Cypriot State and the Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States also participated in the meeting as observers, as well as the Secretary General of CICA as international partner organization.The Meeting reviewed the status of activities of the ECO and approved some fresh proposals as recommended by the Senior Officials who met on October 9. Expressing strong support for ECO’s initiatives and future aspirations towards closer collaboration in the priority areas of focus, the Meeting adopted the “Shusha Declaration” that focuses on enhanced regional cooperation amongst the Member States.

Condolences-Afghanistan — ECO Expresses Condolences over the Horrific Earthquakes in Afghanistan. The Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) expresses deep condolences over the loss of precious human lives during the devastating earthquakes on October 7, in the Herat region of Afghanistan that also left many people injured and caused severe damage and destruction in various cities. While sharing profound sympathies for this tragic occasion, the ECO stands with brotherly People of Afghanistan this time of suffering and great discomfort.

20230909_193056 — ECO Deputy Secretary General Meets with the Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat The ECO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Huseyin Avni Bıçaklı held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat (UNFFS), on the sidelines of the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, on September 9, 2023, in Tehran.The meeting expressed satisfaction about the recent interaction towards expanding collaboration between ECO and UNFFS. Exchanging views on the ways and means for closer cooperation towards promoting sustainable forest management in the region, reference was made to the possibility of holding joint workshops, especially to further familiarize the ECO member states with the work of the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN).

20230909_144904 — ECO Participates in the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms The ECO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Huseyin Avni Bıçaklı, along with ECO Director for Human Resource and Sustainable Development Dr. Husnu Tekin participated in the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms. In his inaugural remarks, the Honorable President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Ebrahim Raisi noted that the problems caused by sand and dust storms could be addressed through efficient use of scientific and research centers, establishment of a financial fund and provision of cultural and media attachments. Addressing the event, Ambassador Bıçaklı stressed that sand and dust storms pose a formidable and widespread challenge that appears to impede regional and global efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the endeavours being made by ECO countries for developing a joint mechanism aimed at responding to natural disasters, especially the ECO Regional Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction. Held on September 9, 2023 in Tehran, the event was jointly organized by Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Nations.

ECO Secretary General Meets with the FAO Director General. On the sidelines of his participation in the International Conference on Food Security in Samarkand on September 6-7, 2023, the ECO Secretary General H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri met with Director General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) HE Mr Qu Dongyu.Summarizing the ECO-FAO collaboration since the MoU signed in 1997 between the two organizations, Ambassador Noziri, commended FAO’s continuous support to ECO activities, particularly their assistance in establishments of the ECO Regional Coordination Center for Food Security, ECO Seed Association, ECO Veterinary Commission and ECO Center of Excellence for Efficient Water Utilization for Agriculture. He underlined that, representing a region of over half a billion population that is mostly based on agrarian economy, the ECO looks forward to FAO’s assistance in ensuring food security in the region. He also informed Mr. Ou Dongyu that İran will host the 8th Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture of ECO and based on the invitation of host country, ECO would be honored to see their participation in this high level dialogue platform. Director General Mr. Dongyu emphasized the importance of regional economic cooperation organizations in collective development efforts, as well as ECO’s unique geographical position on the Silk Road.

ECO Secretary General Participates at the International Conference on Food Security. The ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri is visiting the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with his participation in the “International Conference on Food Security” scheduled for September 7-8, 2023 in Samarkand. The ECO Secretary General emphasized the necessity to achieve food security and improve nutrition while noting the globally escalating food prices with a considerable number countries experiencing double digit inflation.

flood3 — Flash Floods in Northwest Turkey. ISTANBUL, Sept 6 - At least seven people were killed as heavy rains triggered flash floods in northwest Turkey. Five people died and one person was missing in Kirklareli province near the border with Bulgaria and Greece, after houses were flooded late on Tuesday, local media reported.Authorities said a further two people were killed and 31 injured in Istanbul's northern Basaksehir and Kucukcekmece districts

IMG-20230904-WA0005 — ECO Receives Delegates from UNESCO and RCECWA. Dr. Kambod Amini Hosseini, Director for Regional Education and Research Center on Earthquake Risk Management and Resilience (RCECWA) and Ms. Mehrasa Mehrdadi, National Program Officer for UNESCO visited the ECO Secretariat and discussed various issues concerning bilateral cooperation with Deputy Secretary General Mr. Kashif Zaman. Appreciating the work of UNESCO and RCECWA to strengthen resilience against earthquake through greater community participation and capacity building, Mr. Zaman underscored the need to enhance and diversify the existing cooperation framework for the benefit of the entire ECO region.

279th Meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives. The 279thMeeting of the ECO Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR) was held on August 30, at the ECO Headquarters. Chaired by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ambassador Ali Alizade, the meeting discussed various issues placed on its agenda concerning the development and progress of the Organization, including preparations for the 16th ECO Summit and the 27th Council of Ministers meeting.

IMG-20230623-WA0021 — ECO Secretary General Attends ETDB’s Meeting. The Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Ambassador Khusrav Noziri attended the 22nd Annual Board of Governor’s Meeting of the ECO Trade and Development Bank on June 23, 2023. He emphasized for a more concerted approach to attain the targets as envisaged in the ECO Vision 2025, boosting the region’s economic profile and enhancing its share to the global trade. Highlighting various initiatives of the ECO mainly in trade, transport, energy, tourism sectors, ECO Secretary General encouraged the ETDB to finance ECO projects, aimed at developing regional infrastructure. He also underlined the efforts of the ECO with regard to expanding.

ECO Secretary General Expresses Condolences over loss of lives in Kazakhstan’s Wildfire. In a formal letter of condolences to the Deputy Prime Minister – Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, the ECO Secretary General expressed sympathies for the loss of human lives and heavy damage caused by extensive wildfire in the Abay Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

223 — ECO Secretary General Participates in the 79th Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri participated virtually in the 79th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) guided by the theme of “accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development”, organized by ESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 16, 2023.

Final Approval of the Statutes of the ECO Regional Center for Risk Management of Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM). At the 26th meeting of foreign ministers of ECO member countries, which was held on January 23, 2023 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the statute of the ECO Regional Center for Risk Management of Natural Disasters (ECO-RCRM) was finally approved. In this meeting, Dr. Sina Samadi, head of the center (ECO-RCRM) was also present and the statute of the center was signed by Iran's foreign minister, Dr.Amir Abdullahian. and the other member countries will subsequently sign the Statute.

Turkey death toll rises to 20,655 The death toll in Turkey from this week’s devastating earthquakes has risen to 20,665, the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (Afad) said on Saturday. It said that nearly 93,000 victims have been evacuated from the quake zone in southern Turkey and that more than 166,000 personnel were involved in the rescue and relief efforts. There have been 1,891 aftershocks since the first quake early on Monday, it added.

flag3 — ECO Lowers Its Flag to Mourn the Devastating Earthquakes in Türkiye. The Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) lowered its flag to half-mast to honour the victims of the devastating earthquakes that hit the south-eastern region of the Republic of Türkiye on February 6, 2023. As a gesture of solidarity with the people of Türkiye, and to mourn this destructive event, the ECO flag lowering ceremony was held on February 7, 2023, following the declaration of a 7-day national mourning in the Republic of Türkiye.

resized_Untitled-1jpg — ECO Expresses Condolences over the Horrific Earthquakes in Turkiye. The Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) expresses deep condolences over the loss of precious human lives during the devastating earthquakes on February 6, in the south-eastern region of the Republic of Türkiye that also left many people injured and caused severe damage and destruction in various cities. While sharing profound sympathies for this tragic occasion, the ECO stands with the Government and People of the Republic of Türkiye at this time of suffering and great discomfort

Powerful earthquake shakes Turkey, Syria. An extremely large earthquake has occurred in the southeast of Turkey, near the border with Syria. Earthquake in Turkey and Syria killed thousands and devastated cities. Death toll in Turkey and Syria rises to over 9,500. The numbers are expected to continue to rise as further rescue work and excavations are carried out. Emergency services have been hampered by poor weather. 7.8-magnitude tremor hit early on Monday, with second major quake mid-morning hampering rescue efforts. The earthquake, which was followed by a series of aftershocks, was the biggest recorded worldwide by the US Geological Survey since a tremor in the remote South Atlantic in August 2021.

Donya Information Agency Interviews the ECO Secretary General. Within the framework of his participation in the 26th Meeting of the Council of Ministers in Tashkent, the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri was interviewed by the Donya Information Agency. The Secretary General underlined the importance of economic cooperation and the significant role of ECO to support the process of socio-economic development through enhanced efforts for greater regional integration. He also underscored the importance of 26th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers, being currently organized and hosted by the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

33rd Meeting of ECO Regional Planning Concludes. The 33rdMeeting of the ECO Regional Planning Council (RPC) organized in hybrid mode to facilitate the preparation of ECO Work Program and Calendar of Events for 2023 was concluded on January 19, 2023. The delegations of the Member States, ECO Specialized Agencies, Regional Institutions and Affiliated Bodies attended the segmental discussions and deliberations as well as plenary and closing sessions of the RPC.

33rd ECO Regional Planning Council Begins with a Plenary Session. The ECO Regional Planning Council (RPC) began today on January 16, 2023 with a hybrid Plenary Session. The Representatives of the ECO Member States, ECO Specialized Agencies, Regional Institutes and Affiliated Bodies participated in the Plenary Session of the event. The Representative of the Turkish Cypriot State attended the meeting as an ECO observer.

ECO holds first CPR Meeting of 2023 under the new Chair. The ECO Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR) held its first meeting of 2023, on January 11 under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Azerbaijan. As per ECO`s rules and procedures Republic of Azerbaijan assumed ECO Chairmanship from January 2023 and accordingly the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to ECO, H.E. Mr. Ali Alizada took over his responsibilities as CPR Chairman.

ECO Organizes Reception and Photo Exhibition to Mark Its 30th Anniversary of Expanded Cooperation ECO Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of its Expansion.

2-2 — ECO Celebrates 30th Anniversary of its Expansion. The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) celebrated the 30th Anniversary of its Expansion on December 11, 2022. The ECO Day Celebrations were attended by permanent representatives/ambassadors of the member countries, representatives of the diplomatic corps, dignitaries of the host government and some local guests. The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Ebrahim Raisi extended a message of felicitations and well-wishes to the ECO and its Member States on this special occasion.

Untitled — ECO Secretary General called developing countries in Asia-Pacific region for resolution in transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon development pathway in line with the people’s increasing and urgent development needs. On December 1st, 2022, the ECO Secretary General Mr. Khusrav Noziri virtually participated in the seventh session of the Committee on Environment and Development of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Mr. Noziri delivered a statement on behalf of the Organization at the ministerial segment of the Committee under the theme of “protecting our planet through regional cooperation and solidarity in Asia and the Pacific”.

The UN Climate Change Conference ( COP27 ) agreed to establish a “loss and damage” fund to help vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters. Creating a specific fund for loss and damage marked an important point of progress, with the issue added to the official agenda and adopted for the first time at COP27. — The UN Climate Change Conference ( COP27 ) agreed to establish a “loss and damage” fund to help vulnerable countries hit hard by climate change. Creating a specific fund for loss and damage marked an important point of progress, with the issue added to the official agenda and adopted for the first time at COP27.

COP 27 climate conference in Egypt. The 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) has begun in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Until 18 November, 198 nations of the world will meet here to step up action to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve the Paris Agreement's goal of keeping the planet's warming to 1.5°C. The purpose of the summit is to build on and develop the climate goals adopted last year in Glasgow. Egypt, as the presidency state, highlighted four main themes, namely reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation), adapting to climate change (adaptation), averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, and financing climate action in developing countries.

ECO Secretary General’s interview to the International Media — On the sidelines of his participation in the 77th UNGA Session at New York, the ECO Secretary General, H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri was interviewed by International Media Representatives. Being interviewed on September 23, the Secretary General underscored the importance of ECO and its cooperative agenda which is based on the principles of shared progress and prosperity of the Member States.

Flash flood in Afghanistan. Monsoon rains and flooding have recently killed more than three dozen people and injured several others in Afghanistan

Flash floods kill over 300 in Pakistan as monsoon rain. Flash floods across Pakistan have killed at least 310 people and injured hundreds.Knee-deep water has leaved roads and homes badly damaged and businesses losing billions of rupees in goods and revenue.In Karachi, with heavy flooding in the commercial sector destroying the electronics and garments market and leading to the loss of billions of rupees.

Heavy Rain Causes Deadly Flooding Across Iran. Heavy rains in Iran that began Wednesday have set off flash floods and landslides in 21 provinces, killing at least 69 people, heavily damaging hundreds of villages, cutting off access to major roads and forcing the evacuation of an ancient city.

ECO Secretary General Expresses Condolence over Earthquake in Afghanistan: It was shocking to learn about the tragic loss of precious human lives due to the devastating earthquake that struck the areas in Khost and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan on Wednesday. At this distressing and painful moment, I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved and affected families. While expressing solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, I look forward to an immediate response of the global community to help Afghan nation recover from such a period crisis. Regards, SG Kh. Noziri

Intervention of ECO Secretary General H.E. Mr. Khusrav Noziri during OSCE Asian Conference 2022 — By the invitation of OSCE Secretariat, ECO Secretary General H.E. Mr. Khusrav Noziri took part virtually in the OSCE Asian Conference 2022 on “Strengthening security for all and by all – synergies and opportunities for co‑operation between Europe and Asia” organized by the Government of Sweden and OSCE in Vienna, Austria, on June 15, 2022. ECO Secretary General contributed by intervention in the second session entitled: Climate-related challenges to security and opportunities for co-operation – building on the Stockholm decision

news12 — On behalf of the ECO Secretariat, Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Huseyin Avni Bicakli, participated in the high level segment of fifteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), taken place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, during 9 to 11 May 2022.

news2 — On the invitation of the Chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building measures in Asia (CICA) Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation ...

Screenshot 2022-01-01 123632 — The 15th ECO Summit was hosted by Turkmenistan on November 28, 2021 in Ashgabat...

ECO holds first CPR Meeting under the new Chair — The 261st Meeting of the ECO Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR) held on February 7, 2022 under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Uzbekistan. While delivering his remarks at the beginning of the Meeting, Previous CPR Chair - Ambassador of Turkmenistan H.E. Mr. Ahmet Gurbanov underlined major achievements made during Turkmenistan's ECO Chairmanship.

ECO SG and APDIM Director meet in Tehran — The Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Amb. Khusrav Noziri, met with the Director of the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM), Ms. Letizia Rossano, at the ECO Headquarters in Tehran.

ECO Secretary General Meets Minister of Economy and Trade of Lebanon — On the initiative of the Lebanese side within the framework of Antalya Diplomacy Forum on March 12, 2022, the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri met with the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Amin Salam.

ECO Secretary General participates at the Round Table: Asia Anew Initiative: For a Sustainable Regional Growth — Within the framework of Antalya Diplomacy Forum on March 12, 2022, the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri participated at the Round Table: Asia Anew: For a Sustainable Regional Growth. The Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan and Bangladesh, Heads of CICA, IORA, ACD, as well as representatives of public and private business companies of Turkey also attended the round table.

Alerts And Forecasts

Fire Hazard

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Icing and Chilling

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Evaporation

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Heavy Rain

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Strong Wind

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Hot Day and Tropical Night

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Seasonal Forecasts

Precipitation

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Temprature

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Seasonal Forecast Newsletter

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Drought monitoring and forecast

Drought Monitoring

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Drought Forecast

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Environmental Observation and Monitoring

Sand And Dust

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Fire Hazard

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Icing

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Snow Cover

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Precipitation Anomaly

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Temperature Anomaly

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