The two-day meeting of foreign ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) began in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Sunday, without the participation of a delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Representatives from the organization’s 10 member states are discussing ways to expand economic cooperation, boost regional trade and strengthen connectivity. Pakistan, which currently holds the organization’s rotating chairmanship, has identified stronger trade and transit relations among member states as a key priority.

Afghanistan’s absence comes despite its ECO membership and its strategic geographical position as a major transit corridor linking Central Asia with South Asia and the Middle East.

Central Asian countries can use Afghanistan’s territory to access Pakistani and Iranian ports, as well as wider regional markets, making the country an important part of regional trade and connectivity initiatives.

Economic analysts say political differences should not prevent member states from pursuing economic cooperation. They warn that excluding or sidelining Afghanistan from such regional meetings could undermine ECO’s economic and transit objectives.

ECO was established in 1985 by Iran, Türkiye and Pakistan. In 1992, the organization expanded with the admission of Afghanistan and six other countries, bringing its membership to 10 states.

The combined gross domestic product of ECO member countries is estimated at around $3 trillion.

Experts say that without Afghanistan’s active participation, regional connectivity projects may struggle to achieve their full economic and transit potential.

Turkish police have detained 35 Afghan migrants attempting to cross into Greece by sea in the northwestern province of Balikesir, while four suspects accused of migrant smuggling were also apprehended.

Police seized 12 life jackets, lifebuoys and three pumps during the operation.

Following police procedures, three of the four suspects were remanded in custody by a court, while the fourth was released under judicial supervision.

The 35 Afghan migrants were transferred to an Irregular Migrant Pre-Reception and Referral Center.

Mullah Abdul Wasi, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), held a video conference with Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, to discuss regional developments and efforts to resolve issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to a statement released by the PM’s office, James Belmonti, a Political Affairs Officer at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Faiz Mohammad Wafamel, a political adviser, also participated in the meeting.

During the conference, Abdul Wasi thanked the United Kingdom for its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and for its efforts, alongside other friendly countries, to help overcome the current issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He said the Islamic Emirate seeks positive engagement with neighbouring countries, regional states and the international community based on Afghanistan’s national interests and mutual respect, adding that the IEA supports peace and stability in the region.

For his part, Lindsay said the UK was closely monitoring the regional situation and had held meetings and consultations with both sides regarding the issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He added that he would travel to Pakistan in the near future to hold discussions with Pakistani officials on the related issues and facilitate dialogue and better understanding between the sides.

Abdul Wasi said the Islamic Emirate attaches great importance to resolving disputes peacefully with neighbouring countries, regional states and the international community, in line with its foreign policy focused on economic engagement.

He also described Afghans as a peace-loving nation with considerable skills and experience in resolving disputes through negotiations.