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Pakistan regional diplomacy and ECO chairmanship

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-22 08:50 UTC → 2026-10-23 05:33 UTC · added removed

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. He expressed the expectation that the Taliban government take verifiable action against militant groups such as the TTP and BLA. 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. Additionally, Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conducted Diplomatic ties with the Maldives have also seen significant advancement. During a three-day state visit to Pakistan, marking by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, which marked the first visit by a Maldivian head of state in 11 years and coinciding with 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 60th anniversary exchange of diplomatic relations. Following meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the leaders signed several 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to formalize cooperation in trade, education, spanning technology, cybersecurity, health, fisheries, agriculture, education, tourism, and tourism. Both nations 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 the disproportionate impact improving maritime connectivity between Karachi, Gwadar, and Malé. Additionally, Pakistan’s Chief of climate change on small island states Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met with President Muizzu to discuss strengthening defense cooperation and developing economies. maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-23 05:33 UTC Pakistan regional diplomacy and ECO chairmanship
  2. 2026-10-22 08:50 UTC Pakistan regional diplomacy and ECO chairmanship
  3. 2026-10-18 12:54 UTC Pakistan regional diplomacy and ECO chairmanship

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