A New Chapter in Regional Unity: The 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan
The Republic of Azerbaijan, under the Chairmanship of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, marked a major diplomatic and regional milestone by successfully hosting the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on July 3 and 4, 2025. Set against the backdrop of the recently revitalized Karabakh region, particularly the city of Khankendi, this summit not only reinforced Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a regional leader in diplomacy, sustainable development, and post-conflict reconstruction but also signaled a new era for regional cooperation under the theme: “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.”
The summit was the culmination of a broader series of events during ECO Week (July 1–4, 2025), held across various symbolic and economically significant cities of the Karabakh region—Aghdam, Lachin, and Fuzuli—each serving as a powerful reminder of Azerbaijan’s successful post-war rebuilding efforts and commitment to inclusive regional prosperity.
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO): History and Purpose
Formed in 1985 as a successor to the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), ECO today comprises ten member states: Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. The organization seeks to promote economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among its member countries, which together span a vast geographical area bridging Europe and Asia, and share historical, religious, linguistic, and cultural ties.
With a population exceeding 500 million and an economy rich in natural resources, agriculture, industry, and trade potential, the ECO region plays a critical role in global geopolitics and development discourse. The 17th ECO Summit was thus a timely and high-profile opportunity to redefine its strategic goals for the coming decade.
