Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed the 26th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
On the occasion, the Foreign Minister has stressed for a collective approach to address the issues faced by the region including climate change. He said the regional countries need to develop a strategically robust emergency response mechanism to respond to any climate crisis in the future. He noted that the issue of climate cooperation is very significant.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed the proposal of Uzbekistan for the establishment of a high-level dialogue platform on environmental cooperation within the framework of ECO.
Also read: UNDP, USAID emphasize on role of Fintech in Expanding Financial Services in KP
Alluding to the devastation caused by floods in Pakistan, he said Pakistan’s urgent priority is to ensure rapid economic growth and lift millions out of destitution and hunger. He said we will not only build back better but do so in a climate-resilient manner.
“Pakistan believes the ECO led by shared principles of solidarity and mutual support has the collective strength to measure up to the challenges. Together we can and should make a difference. Regional preferential trade framework amongst the ECO members will help us in enhancing cooperation,” he said, adding that Pakistan will continue to accord high priority to trade promotion and facilitation within the ECO.
