Turkmenistan’s initiative to strengthen economic cooperation received backing at a meeting of the Council of Permanent Representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organization held Feb. 25, 2026, in Tehran, the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan reported Thursday.

The ECO Secretariat will begin preparing a draft plan for the practical implementation of Turkmenistan’s proposals, the ministry said.

The meeting also discussed a technical and economic assessment for establishing joint trade zones in the ECO region. The initiative was originally proposed by Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and included on the agenda.

The report noted that boosting trade among ECO countries requires active use of border and regional trade potential. It emphasized the need to create a favorable cross-border environment and promote regional cooperation based on agreed preferences and priority areas.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Tehran hosted the fourth meeting of ECO interior ministers.