Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, participated in and delivered a speech at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in the city of Khankendi, Azerbaijan.
In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund stated that, as a result of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s sustained, balanced, and economy-oriented foreign policy, the Russian Federation has officially recognized the government. The Islamic Emirate welcomes this development. In this context, and given Afghanistan’s long-standing and substantive engagement with the ECO, he called upon all member states of the organization to acknowledge Afghanistan’s legitimate political status and, following the example of the Russian Federation, undertake practical and constructive steps toward formal recognition.
The Deputy Prime Minister further elaborated on the Islamic Emirate’s economy-driven foreign policy, highlighting the economic advancements achieved within Afghanistan, current investment opportunities, and Afghanistan’s strategic role in facilitating and executing critical regional economic initiatives. He urged ECO member states to engage with a stable, credible, and cooperative Afghanistan to reinforce economic and regional collaboration through sustained development and coordination. He underscored the importance of joint efforts in areas such as trade, investment, energy, transportation, agriculture, environmental protection, and climate change—sectors in which Afghanistan is fully prepared to participate.
He stated: “We believe that the economies of ECO member states can only thrive if Afghanistan becomes an active part of this equation.”
At the summit, the Deputy Prime Minister also reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine, declaring: “The oppression being inflicted upon the innocent people of Gaza must come to an end without delay. We fully support the liberation of Palestine and the preservation of the Islamic identity of Al-Quds.”
During his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar Akhund proposed: “The upcoming (18th) ECO Summit should be held in Kabul. We are fully prepared to host this important and valuable gathering and extend a warm welcome to all participants.”
The 17th ECO Summit was attended by presidents, prime ministers, and high-ranking officials from member states, who underscored the importance of advancing full cooperation and coordination among ECO countries across political, economic, trade, transit, transport, cultural, connectivity, and investment domains.
