It gives me immense pleasure to convey, on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, warmest felicitations to the governments and peoples of ECO member states on the occasion of the 12^th ECO Day.

            Pakistan values the principles of cooperation enshrined in the ECO Charter. We attach great importance to the realization of its objectives. Our strong historical and cultural ties have uniquely placed us to forge fresh linkages in business and communication. Pakistan actively participates in the programmes and activities that ECO undertakes for regional economic development.

            I am confident that with focused and sustained efforts, we can make ECO a more effective, modern organization. It should accelerate economic cooperation among member states and facilitate their gradual integration into the global economy. The collective resolve of the ECO leadership, as expressed at the Dushanbe Summit (September 2004), has given a new impetus to our efforts in that direction. I wish ECO continued success.