Pakistan to host ECO leaders' summit in March

EghtesadOnline: Pakistan says preparations are underway to host the 13th Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) heads of state this year.

News ID: ۷۷۳۳۲۷

20 January 2017

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria responding to a question of IRNA at his weekly news briefing said that ECO is a priority area for Pakistan whose last summit was held way back in 2012 and now it is Pakistan's turn to host the meeting.

“Preparations are going to arrange the ECO summit in Pakistan,” he said.

Iran along with Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are members states of ECO.

ECO official website says Pakistani will host summit on 1st of March this year. Iran is also a leading member of the ECO.

Nafees Zakaria responding to another question said that no head of government or head of state or foreign minister of any country have been officially invited for the oath taking ceremony of new US President Donald Trump.

He said that Pakistan is looking forward to work closely with the upcoming US administration.

To another question he said that Pakistan rejects baseless allegations of Afghan government on Pakistan regarding poor security situation of the country. He said that such allegations are unhelpful to the peace process of Afghanistan.

He added that there are many reports that have confirmed that poor security situation in Afghanistan is because of their internal problems.

The spokesman said Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said 'we believe that peace' in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's interest and also necessary for stability and progress of the region.