Erdoğan at ECO Summit 2025: Key Meetings and Emphasis on Regional Cooperation

Erdoğan at ECO Summit: Key Meetings and Emphasis on Regional Cooperation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a series of meetings with leaders of member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. The summit, attended by heads of state and representatives, served as an opportunity to address regional challenges and strengthen economic cooperation.

One of Erdoğan’s most significant meetings was with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, held behind closed doors at the Khankendi Convention Center. The two leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues.

Later, Erdoğan met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This meeting was also held privately, with no detailed information disclosed. However, sources close to the talks indicated that economic and security cooperation between the two countries was discussed.

Another key meeting for the Turkish president was with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the talks, both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. Erdoğan stated that turning the ceasefire between Iran and Israel into a permanent peace was a regional priority and stressed the necessity of resolving issues through negotiation. He also highlighted the need to increase security cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism.

On the sidelines of the summit, Erdoğan also held talks with other ECO member state leaders, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. These meetings primarily focused on expanding economic and trade cooperation.

In his speech at the summit, Erdoğan addressed various issues. He called on the international community to support Afghanistan in achieving stability and sustainable development. Regarding Syria, he stated that the country’s current situation could serve as a beacon of hope for the region and emphasized the need for continued international support for the new government.

Erdoğan also touched on the Palestinian issue, describing Israel’s policies as a threat to regional peace and stability. He said, “The Palestinian cause must not be forgotten,” and stressed the importance of resolving issues through dialogue.

The Turkish president further spoke about his country’s environmental programs. He announced that under the National Energy Efficiency Program, Türkiye aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 100 million tons by 2030. Mentioning the “Zero Waste” project, Erdoğan stated that the initiative has so far prevented the emission of approximately 6 million tons of greenhouse gases.

The ECO Summit took place as member states sought to strengthen economic and political cooperation in the region. Erdoğan’s meetings with various leaders and his speech at the summit demonstrated Türkiye’s efforts to play a more active role in regional developments.