ISLAMABAD Abdolrahim Gavahi, the new secretary general of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Tuesday said the main focus, in his tenure, will be on project of regional economic development.
In an interview with IRNA here, he said, "Economic development and expansion of economic cooperation among the member countries is a must for further activating the ECO.
"I will try to encourage the member countries to undertake projects of mutual economic cooperation," Gavahi said.
"Instead of political pursuits, the member countries should concentrate on development projects in the fields of shipping, banking, insurance and communications. Such projects can provide the basis for boosting economic cooperation among the member countries," he added.
"Expansion of economic, technological and other cooperation can certainly increase political friendship among the member countries besides ensuring their stability," he prompted to add.
Gavahi said, "last decade was the decade of political orientation of the ECO, but now we should look on toward projects of practical human development." He also urged the need for improving ECO's relations and mutual cooperation with international and regional organizations like the Asian, European Union, Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and different UN agencies.
Gavahi said being the founder members of the ECO, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey could play a great role in boosting of the organization.
Meanwhile, Gavahi, on Tuesday called on Pakistan's minister for petroleum and natural resources.
He discussed, with Usman Aminuddin, issues regarding the arrangement for the upcoming meeting of the ECO oil and energy ministers, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November this year.
In the course of his four-day stay in Islamabad, Gavahi is also scheduled to meet the Pakistan Chief Executive, General Pervez Musharraf, President Mohammad Rafiq Tarar and other ministers and high officials.
(IRNA)