Baradar urges ECO states to recognize IEA, follow Russia

KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs has urged ECO member states to acknowledge the country’s political reality and follow Russia’s example by taking practical steps toward recognizing the Islamic Emirate government.

According to a statement from the Economic Affairs Office, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund participated and delivered a speech today (Friday ) at the 17th ECO Summit held in Shusha, Azerbaijan.

In his remarks, Mullah Baradar said that the Russian Federation’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate was the result of Afghanistan’s balanced, economy-focused foreign policy, and he welcomed the move as a positive step forward.

He stated: “Therefore, in light of Afghanistan’s deep and long-term cooperation with the ECO, we urge the organization’s member states to understand Afghanistan’s legitimate political reality and to take practical and positive steps—like the Russian Federation—toward the recognition of the Islamic Emirate.”

He also highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s economic priorities, recent development achievements, current investment opportunities, and Afghanistan’s strategic role in implementing key regional economic projects.

Mullah Baradar called on ECO member states to collaborate closely with a stable, reliable, and cooperative Afghanistan to strengthen regional and economic ties.

He emphasized sustained cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, transport, agriculture, environmental protection, and climate change.

Highlighting Afghanistan’s full preparedness in these areas, he said: “We believe that the economies of ECO member states can only grow effectively when Afghanistan becomes an active part of this equation.”

He also proposed that the next (18th) ECO Summit be hosted in Kabul, saying: “We are fully prepared to host this important and valuable summit.”

In closing, Mullah Baradar reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating: “The oppression being inflicted on the people of Gaza must end as soon as possible.”

He added: “We fully support the freedom of Palestine and the protection of the Islamic identity of Al-Quds.”

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