ISTANBUL

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on Thursday said the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has the potential to become an effective tool for regional integration.

Addressing the 16th ECO summit in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, Japarov said integration based on common economic interests is a key element of the vision of the future, according to a statement by his office.

Japarov outlined a vision for the main areas of development of cooperation within this format, including trade, transport and logistics, energy security and information and communication sectors.

He also touched on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, expressing that they are observing the situation in the Middle East with “heartache and deep empathy.”

“We call on the parties to take comprehensive measures to prevent casualties and violence against civilians, an early cessation of hostilities and the immediate start of the negotiation process,” Japarov was quoted as saying.

He noted the importance of continuing the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghans, and also supported regional integration and economic and humanitarian projects that will contribute to the restoration of the Afghan economy.

The ECO is a political and economic intergovernmental organization founded by Türkiye, Pakistan, and Iran in 1985 to serve as a platform to discuss and improve development and promote trade and investment opportunities.

It has seven other members: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.