Speech of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
Respected Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers, representatives, and officials of the ECO member states; distinguished officials of the host country; honored guests; and all attendees:
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
I am pleased to represent the government and people of Afghanistan at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). I sincerely thank the President of Azerbaijan for hosting and excellently organizing this dignified summit.
The 17th ECO Summit is a significant historical moment and a beacon of hope for regional cooperation, mutual understanding, and progress among the nations of the member states.
As a result of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's balanced and economy-centered foreign policy, the Russian Federation has officially recognized it. We warmly welcome this step. Accordingly, in view of Afghanistan’s deep and long-term cooperation with ECO, we urge all member states to recognize Afghanistan’s legitimate political reality and to take practical and constructive steps toward recognition, as the Russian Federation has done.
Esteemed Participants,
After more than four decades of conflict, Afghanistan has now entered a phase of independence, stability, and reconstruction under the Islamic system. In accordance with Islamic principles and Shariah rulings, Afghanistan has made unprecedented progress in unity, nationwide security, institutional strengthening, economic development, and foreign relations.
Today, Afghanistan offers new opportunities for development, cooperation, and regional connectivity based on Islamic values. We seek to realize these opportunities through joint economic, cultural, and strategic projects with ECO member states.
With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, we have assured neighboring, regional, and international countries that Afghan territory will not be used against them.
The Islamic Emirate has completely banned the cultivation, processing, and trafficking of poppies and other narcotics across the country. In addition, thousands of addicts have been treated, and special centers have been established to reintegrate them as healthy and productive members of society.
As an independent nation committed to Islamic and religious values, Afghanistan’s foreign policy is based on principles of mutual respect, non-interference, economic development, and balanced engagement. We have opened the door to positive, dignified, and reciprocal cooperation.
Distinguished Attendees,
A core element of our foreign policy is its focus on the economy. Thanks to this policy, we have managed to transform Afghanistan’s geographical position into a valuable opportunity for regional economic connectivity.
In this context, the railway project named Mazar-e-Sharif–Herat–Kandahar via Uzbekistan is a key initiative that will connect Central Asia to South Asian markets. This project not only strengthens Afghanistan’s position in transit but also provides a platform for regional cooperation.
Likewise, practical work on the TAPI project has started on Afghan soil. We are hopeful that upon completion of this major project, Afghanistan will become a vital energy transit corridor between Central and South Asia, playing a pivotal role as a reliable conduit.
From this platform, I call on Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and India to further coordinate efforts regarding this important regional project.
Moreover, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has expressed support for the “North-South Corridor” project. This initiative could mark a new chapter in strengthening and unifying the regional economy.
Honorable Participants,
In addition, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with the support and cooperation of countries along the Lapis Lazuli Route, aims to start using this route effectively for trade and transit.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan requests those countries present here—who are part of the Lapis Lazuli Route and participated in last year’s ministerial meeting hosted by Türkiye—to increase their meetings and consultations to address existing challenges and tasks.
Given Afghanistan’s geographical position, regional connectivity projects are a government priority. We consider the implementation of such projects as a key driver for shifting regional focus from political rivalries to economic cooperation.
Esteemed Guests,
Afghanistan is now utilizing its internal capacities to revive and grow its economy. Therefore, we call on ECO member states to work closely with a stable, reliable, and cooperative Afghanistan to strengthen economic and regional cooperation. We seek a continued atmosphere of progress and coordination in trade, investment, energy, transportation, agriculture, environmental protection, and climate change—key objectives of this summit.
Through expanded relations with various regional countries, the Islamic Emirate has proven both the willingness and the capacity for engagement. We are committed to relations based on mutual respect, practical cooperation, and shared interests.
Therefore, once again, we call on the international community, especially ECO member states, to engage with the Government of Afghanistan from a realistic perspective, to increase political and economic engagement, and to move beyond obstacles to establish constructive relations.
Dear Participants,
The Islamic Emirate pursues an economy-focused policy framework to ensure economic independence and stability through relations with neighboring, regional, and global countries. We are striving to shift Afghanistan from a consumption-based economy to a productive, transit-oriented, and self-reliant economy. We believe that ECO member countries' economies can thrive only when Afghanistan is an active part of this equation.
We believe that the mutual understanding of ECO member states, the start and continuation of economic cooperation, and a strong spirit of human partnership can lead the region toward progress and development.
I must state that Afghanistan now provides a favorable environment for investment. Currently, both domestic and foreign investors have invested in sectors including electricity, mining, agriculture, industry, transportation, infrastructure, telecommunications, healthcare, and many others. Therefore, I call on ECO member states to invest in these mentioned sectors.
Respected Attendees,
In the past, Afghanistan, as an important member of ECO, has played an active and effective role in many key programs—particularly in tax cooperation, meetings of heads of tax administrations, technical programs, and information sharing.
Past experience has shown that collaboration within the ECO framework can provide a solid foundation for trade expansion, improvement and strengthening of tax systems, and enhanced economic coordination among countries.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan once again expresses its deep sympathy with the oppressed people of Palestine. The oppression against the innocent people of Gaza must end immediately. We fully support the cause of Palestinian liberation, the establishment of an independent state, and the protection of the Islamic identity of Al-Quds.
As the representative of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and a member state of the Economic Cooperation Organization, I would like to share our proposal with you. Afghanistan is committed to achieving the objectives set by the ECO based on regional cooperation and joint efforts.
In this regard, we propose that the upcoming 18th ECO Summit be held in Kabul. We are fully prepared to host this significant and valuable event and warmly welcome the participation of all member states.
We believe that this summit will not only strengthen our mutual understanding, coordination, and shared goals, but the presence of ECO leaders in Kabul will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in joint cooperation for regional stability, development, and connectivity.
In conclusion, once again I sincerely thank the host country, Azerbaijan, for its hospitality, the ECO member states for their active participation, and all of you for your time and attention.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.