Afghanistan’s absence from ECO foreign ministers’ meeting raises questions

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.