On the auspicious occasion of the ECO Day, I wish to extend, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, sincere felicitations to the ECO community. As we observe this day, we renew our commitment to the principles and objectives of the organization and refocus our efforts for their effective realization. The progress made so far is encouraging.  We have achieved important milestones and should maintain, indeed increase, the present momentum to meet the challenges still lying ahead.

          ECO represents our best hope for the economic integration of the region. It reflects our collective resolve to improve the living conditions of our peoples. We have to make it more dynamic to better achieve that objective. The ECO region is rich in resources. Its potential is magnified further by the strong bonds of history, faith and culture that bind us together.

          I take this opportunity to express sincere thanks for ECO's generous and timely support in the earthquake that struck Pakistan on 8^th October 2005.