Strong ECO to boost stability in the region: President Rouhani
President Hojjat al-Islam Hassan Rouhani highlighted the positive impacts that development of the 10-nation Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will have on stability in the region, saying he had constructive talks in Islamabad with Turkish and Pakistani leaders to serve that purpose.
Upon his arrival in Tehran from Islamabad on Wednesday, he briefed reporters on subjects he discussed with leaders of ECO states on sidelines of the 13th ECO in the Pakistani capital.
He said: “Strengthening of ECO will benefit the region and contribute to the expansion of relations and cooperation among founding members Iran, Turkey and Pakistan and, ultimately, regional stability.”
On his talks with Turkish President Rajab Tayyeb Erdoghan and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Iranian President mentioned that both Turkey and Pakistan are willing to purchase oil and gas from Iran.
He also underlined that ECO’s vast potential should be used to stimulate economic activities by the private and state-run sectors of member states.
Concerted action against terrorism and extremism was another main topic discussed in the conference, he explained.
Besides founding members Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, ECO includes the Republic of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kirghizstan.
SS/AS
