The preparation for the participation of the Turkmen side in the 14th high-level meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which is organized by Turkey via live video link on March 4, was reported at a government meeting last Friday by Vice-Chairman, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.

 As noted, this year Turkmenistan will take over the chairmanship of the ECO.  In order to successfully fulfill this mission, a draft of the corresponding Concept has been developed. It defines a number of key tasks.

 Among them – the intensification of investment activities in the ECO member countries, the creation of free trade and economic zones, the formation of new economic corridors, including trade, transport and logistics, energy, with an emphasis on ensuring stable international cargo transportation in emergency situations, building up partnerships in the field of sustainable  energy, including renewable energy sources.

 In addition, the priority areas are full-scale support and stimulation of cooperation between the ECO member countries in the field of science, education and sports, the intensification of scientific research in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the expansion of interaction in agriculture, in ensuring food security, etc.

 The Concept defines the implementation of program measures to promote the socio-economic development of Afghanistan as one of the important aspects of interaction in the ECO format.

 To solve these problems and to intensify the activities of Turkmenistan in the ECO, it is envisaged to carry out appropriate work in a number of topical areas.

 In particular, it is proposed to organize a visit to Turkmenistan of the ECO Secretary General in March 2021 and consider holding the 15th high-level meeting of this Organization in Ashgabat on ECO Day.

 After hearing the report, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the fruitful nature of interaction with the ECO, of which Turkmenistan has been a member since 1992.

 - All-round assistance to increase the effectiveness and diversification of interstate cooperation, the implementation of new joint projects, the optimal implementation of investment opportunities is the main priority of our country's chairmanship in the ECO this year, - the leader of the nation said.

 Note that last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a letter to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in which he said that “within the framework of the Summit on March 4, 2021, the presidency of the ECO will pass from Turkey to friendly and fraternal Turkmenistan”.