I have the pleasure to extend to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the ECO Day.

Being one of the founding members, Turkey remains committed to the goals and objectives of the Organization stipulated in the Treaty of Izmir.

Promoting economic cooperation. and development will require regular an institutionalized dialogue between the regional countries.

We gladly observe that ECO has completed its restructuring and turned into a full-fledged Organization. It is ready to enter into the implementation phase of its projects and programs.

My country supports the liberalization of trade among the member states and the efforts toward the gradual elimination of non-tariff barriers which will increase the trade volume in the region. In this respect, private sector plays an important role in achieving economic prosperity. We should give due importance to the expansion and facilitation of trade among the ECO members.

In this regard, Turkey believes that the early establishment and functioning of the ECO Trade and Development Bank will promote development of regional projects and business relations.

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