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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization was an international meeting of heads of state and government held on 4 July 2025 in the city of Khankendi, Azerbaijan. The summit serves as a periodic platform for consultations among member states, observer countries, and invited nations, in line with regional economic cooperation and sustainable development objectives. This was the first time the summit was hosted in Khankendi, a city in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region.
The summit was hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Khankendi Congress Center. Khankendi was previously used as a capital by an occupying regime in the Karabakh region. Therefore, hosting the summit in this city holds symbolic importance for Azerbaijan, reflecting its ongoing effort to politically and diplomatically integrate the Karabakh region into the national framework.
Heads of state and government from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan attended the summit, along with the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in observer status. The participants were as follows:
In addition, Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates, General Secretary of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev, and General Secretary of the Economic Cooperation Organization Asad Majeed Khan also participated.
The main theme of the summit was “A New Vision for the Economic Cooperation Organization for a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future.” Discussions focused on enhancing trade, ensuring energy security, developing transport corridors, adapting to climate change and promoting sustainable development. Further talks addressed strengthening cooperation mechanisms in response to regional and global crises, expanding renewable energy capacity, and advancing digital infrastructure.
ECO Week events were held between 1 and 4 July 2025 in various cities across Azerbaijan. These events consisted of forums aimed at supporting regional development, youth and women’s participation, and promoting trade and investment.
The main events were organized as follows:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Fuzuli, Azerbaijan, aboard the special aircraft “Tur.” He was welcomed at Fuzuli Airport by Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President for Agdam, Fuzuli and Hocavend Emin Huseynov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ankara Reşad Mammadov, Turkish Ambassador to Baku Birol Akgün, and other officials.
President Erdoğan was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yıldırım, AK Party Deputy Chairmen Kürşad Zorlu, Halit Yerebakan and Sevilay Tuncer, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, and Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç.
The summit opened with an address by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who welcomed the heads of state and government delegations. The leaders then gathered for a group photograph.
In addition to Aliyev, Uzbekistani President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also delivered a speech, proposing Ilham Aliyev for the chairmanship of the summit. The summit sessions are ongoing, and bilateral meetings among leaders are expected to take place.
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was established in 1964 by Turkey, Iran and Pakistan under the name Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD). It was restructured under its current name in 1985. Membership expanded in 1992 with the accession of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The organization’s headquarters is located in Tehran and is managed by the Secretary-General. ECO operates through summits of heads of state and government, councils of foreign ministers, sectoral ministerial meetings and technical commissions. Its core objectives include regional economic integration, sustainable development and the promotion of trade cooperation.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, in his address at the opening session of the summit, noted that Khankendi had previously been under occupation and that its hosting of an international summit holds special significance for Azerbaijan. Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic position in energy, transportation and logistics, revealing that the country exports natural gas to twelve different nations. He also highlighted the extensive reconstruction and resettlement efforts underway in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, recalling the destruction and economic losses suffered during the occupation period.
Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his speech at the summit, underscored the importance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development and combating climate change. Erdoğan recalled Turkey’s projects aligned with its green transition goals and its candidacy to host the COP31 Summit. He emphasized that strengthening energy and transportation corridors in the region would boost trade and investment among ECO member states.
Erdoğan also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s military strikes against Iran, stating that regional crises must be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means. He affirmed Turkey’s readiness to fulfill its responsibilities in contributing to regional peace. In his address, he further noted Turkey’s active contributions to ECO projects and its support for the organization’s 2035 objectives.
At the summit, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Iran’s right to legitimate self-defense against attacks by Israel and the United States, and stated Iran’s commitment to preserving peace in the region. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel’s military strikes against Iran and its operations against civilians in Gaza, calling on ECO countries to act in solidarity to achieve peace in the region.
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for enhanced international cooperation and trade, stressing the need to increase transport volumes along the Central Corridor. Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov emphasized the necessity of adapting to climate change and promoting investments in renewable energy. Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar highlighted the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people on international platforms and their strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean.
At the summit sessions, Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip and its attacks on Iran were prominently addressed. Participating countries expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the loss of numerous civilian lives. They stressed the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. It was also noted that Israel’s recent military operations against Iranian territory have contributed to instability in the region.
Recent tensions between India and Pakistan, along with civilian casualties, also featured on the summit agenda. ECO members voiced their concern over this situation and affirmed their solidarity with Pakistan. They called on both parties to resolve their disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means in accordance with international law.
Climate change mitigation emerged as one of the summit’s key topics. Member states agreed on the need for joint actions in areas such as climate-friendly agricultural practices, renewable energy investments, efficient water resource management and the protection of biodiversity. Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 was celebrated, and Turkey’s candidacy to host the COP31 Summit in 2026 received strong support.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev stated that his country contributes to regional energy security and exports natural gas to twelve nations via multiple pipelines. He noted that both the East-West and North-South transport corridors pass through Azerbaijan and are utilized by the majority of ECO members. The need to enhance cooperation in energy, transportation and logistics was strongly emphasized.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian during the summit. The talks assessed bilateral relations between Turkey and Iran and regional developments. Erdoğan stressed the importance of transforming the de facto ceasefire between Iran and Israel into a lasting peace and affirmed Turkey’s readiness to play a facilitative role in ongoing negotiations. Strengthening cooperation in counterterrorism and expanding commercial ties were also highlighted.
President Erdoğan held a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Khankendi Congress Center. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan in trade, energy and transportation. It was also agreed that joint efforts would continue to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, secure a ceasefire and ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.
President Erdoğan also met with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. The talks covered Turkey-Azerbaijan relations, regional peace processes and reconstruction efforts in Karabakh. Erdoğan stated that Turkey closely monitors peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and anticipates the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement. The strategic importance of energy and transportation projects between the two countries was emphasized.
During the summit, Turkey President Erdoğan held meetings with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. These discussions addressed strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia, transport corridors, energy cooperation and regional economic integration. Additionally, warm dialogues took place between Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, with both leaders underscoring their commitment to regional cooperation.
The “Hankendi Declaration,” issued at the conclusion of the summit, established new objectives for regional economic cooperation and development. The declaration welcomed Azerbaijan’s reconstruction and resettlement activities in territories liberated from Armenian occupation. It affirmed the right of those forcibly displaced from Azerbaijan to return safely and with dignity. The declaration also recalled that this process is supported by international instruments such as the Istanbul Declaration of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The Hankendi Declaration decided that ECO member states will develop a new strategic framework covering the period 2026–2035, aimed at mobilizing the region’s human resources and natural wealth for shared prosperity. Economic sustainability and climate resilience were established as priority agenda items for the organization’s future.
The declaration called for joint actions to increase renewable energy capacity, adopt climate-friendly agricultural practices, improve water management and protect biodiversity. It also decided to establish a common digital platform to strengthen digital infrastructure and facilitate logistics along the Central Corridor. Institutions such as the ECO Center for Artificial Intelligence and Research Center will be strengthened to enhance cooperation in fields including artificial intelligence, blockchain and space technology.
The declaration set a target of doubling intra-ECO trade volume by 2035 through initiatives such as removing customs and commercial barriers and expanding the mandate of the ECO Investment, Trade and Development Bank. To promote regional tourism development, the following cities were designated as ECO Tourism Capitals: Shusha, Azerbaijan in 2026; Lahore, Pakistan in 2027; Merv, Turkmenistan in 2028; and Karakol, Kyrgyzstan in 2029.
The declaration expressed concern over civilian casualties and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. It also voiced concern over Israel’s military operations against Iran and tensions between India and Pakistan, urging all parties to resolve their disputes through diplomatic means in accordance with international law. ECO members reaffirmed their solidarity with Pakistan. Finally, it was decided that the 18th Summit of Heads of State will be held in Iran in 2027.
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was established in 1964 in Istanbul through a meeting of Turkey, Iran and Pakistan under the name Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD). The organization suspended its activities following the 1979 revolution in Iran. With the revival of economic relations among the three countries in the early 1980s, cooperation was resumed. In 1985, the organization was restructured under the name ECO, and in 1992 it expanded to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Today, the organization has become a regional economic platform covering a geographic area of approximately 7 million square kilometers and a population of around 450 million.
Full member states of ECO include Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has held observer status in the organization since 2012. The organization also maintains cooperation relationships with certain international bodies and other regional platforms.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization began on 4 July 2025 in the city of Ganja, Azerbaijan, and concluded on 6 July 2025. At the summit, member and observer countries addressed issues such as regional trade, investment, transportation, energy security and climate change. During the opening session, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other leaders delivered speeches; numerous bilateral meetings took place among leaders during the summit. The Ganja Declaration issued at the end of the summit set goals for preparing a new strategic framework covering 2026 to 2035, focusing on renewable energy, climate-friendly agriculture, digital infrastructure and increased intraregional trade; it also expressed shared concerns regarding the situations in Gaza, Iran and India-Pakistan tensions.
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July 4, 2025
Location and Symbolic Significance of the Meeting
July 4, 2025
Participating Countries and Representatives
July 4, 2025
Theme and Sessions of the Summit
July 4, 2025
ECO Week Events Held Prior to the Summit
July 4, 2025
Participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
July 4, 2025
Opening of the Summit
July 4, 2025
History and Institutional Structure of the Economic Cooperation Organization
July 7, 2025
Summit Sessions and Speeches
July 7, 2025
Regional and Global Issues Discussed at the Summit
July 7, 2025
Bilateral and Multilateral Meetings
July 7, 2025
Hankendi Declaration and Summit Outcomes
July 7, 2025
History and Institutional Structure of the Organization