# Pakistan regional diplomacy and ECO chairmanship

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-regional-diplomacy-and-eco-chairmanship
> Updated: 2026-10-22T04:34:13.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

Pakistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers for the 2026-27 term. During the 27th informal ECO Council of Ministers meeting in New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar outlined strategic priorities including regional connectivity, trade integration, and the operationalization of a digital Free Trade Zone. He specifically highlighted the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway to link Central Asian markets to Arabian Sea ports. Dar also called for increased cooperation on climate resilience, water security, and food security, while noting that terrorism originating from Afghan soil undermines regional stability.

In broader regional diplomacy, Dar held discussions with the foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt to address regional tensions. During talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussions focused on regional challenges and the upcoming OIC Foreign Ministers’ Council meeting in Baghdad. In a call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Dar condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed support for Saudi sovereignty.

Diplomatic ties with the Maldives have also seen significant advancement. During a three-day state visit by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which marked the first visit by a Maldivian head of state in 11 years, leaders established an ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade from approximately $13 million to $200 million within two years. The visit resulted in the exchange of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning technology, cybersecurity, health, fisheries, agriculture, education, tourism, and maritime security. To facilitate these goals, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed a feasibility study for direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives, while discussions also addressed improving maritime connectivity between Karachi, Gwadar, and Malé. Additionally, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met with President Muizzu to discuss strengthening defense cooperation and maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Pakistan and Maldives target $200 million trade through new MoUs

Pakistan and the Maldives aim to boost bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, following the exchange of 20 MoUs and discussions on establishing direct air and maritime links.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maldives-and-pakistan-strengthen-bilateral-ties-during-state-visit

### 2026-10-17: Pakistan engages in regional diplomacy and prepares for Maldivian presidential visit

Pakistan's Ishaq Dar held talks with Iranian and Egyptian officials on regional peace, while preparing for a landmark state visit by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to bolster trade and defense ties.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maldives-president-to-visit-pakistan-for-trade-and-defense-talks

### 2026-09-26: Pakistan assumes ECO chairmanship, prioritizes regional trade

As ECO chair for 2026-27, Pakistan's Ishaq Dar called for enhanced regional trade, improved connectivity via new railway projects, and stronger cooperation on climate resilience and security.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pakistan-assumes-eco-chairmanship-prioritizes-regional-trade

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Cite as: Pakistan regional diplomacy and ECO chairmanship. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pakistan-regional-diplomacy-and-eco-chairmanship