H.E. Mr. Askhat Orazbay

Secretary General, ECO, Tehran.

Excellency,

            I would like to convey to you my best wishes on the occasion of the ECO Day.

            Turkey, as one of the founding members, attaches great importance to the cooperation within the framework of ECO and is committed to actively participate in an contribute to the activities of it for regional economic development and integration.

            Turkey is confident that implementation of the projects in the priority areas of ECO, namely trade, transport and communication and energy will be beneficial to all Member States and increase the gradual integration of the region with global markets.

            In this regard, conclusion of the ECO Trade Agreement which aims to create a region of open trade consistent with WTO is a major success. Establishment of ECO Trade & Development Bank will complement it. A partnership with the business community in the ECO is developing. The dynamism of the private sector will contribute to the ECO and provide public attendance.

            ECO’s efforts to improve and integrate transport services are promising. Operationalization of regular container and passenger trains from Istanbul to Almaty is an important task.

            I believe that ECO can also play a significant role in the field of energy. The region needs to take full advantage of its resources and efficiently utilize them for economic development.

            ECO has successfully initiated cooperation in the fields of agriculture, environment, tourism, narcotic control, industry and investment promotion. We are also trying to improve living conditions in devastated areas within the region. The establishment of the ECO Special Fund for Reconstruction of Afghanistan is such an effort.

            We will continue to work hard for more cooperation and an efficient organization.

            Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.