A delegation of ECOSF headed by President ECOSF Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi along with Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon, Executive Director and Mr. Ghulam Abbas Rahar, Manager (Administration) visited the Embassy of Türkiye in Islamabad and called upon the Ambassador H.E. Dr. Irfan Neziroglu on May 21, 2025. Mr. Cemal Pekemir, Political Officer of the Embassy was also present in the Meeting.

During the meeting, Prof. Tayebi made a brief introduction of ECOSF and said that the main objective of the Foundation is to promote and support scientific activities and scientific communities in ECO region leading to economic development. Prof. Tayebi also said that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) play significant role for the development of any country. In this context, the role of ECOSF being a specialized agency on science becomes pivotal for the region. He also shared the ongoing and future activities of ECOSF.

Prof. Tayebi shared updates on ECOSF’s current and upcoming initiatives. He noted that while Türkiye has signed the ECOSF Charter, it has yet to ratify it. He respectfully urged His Excellency Dr. Neziroğlu to encourage the Turkish Government to expedite the ratification of the Charter and its Additional Protocol. Ratification, he explained, would enable Türkiye to actively participate in decision-making processes, staffing, and the Foundation’s various programs.

He also highlighted the successful organization of ECONEX, a major event held on 17–18 April 2025 in Islamabad, where Türkiye’s active participation was greatly appreciated—thanks in large part to the efforts of the Turkish Embassy. Prof. Tayebi extended his gratitude to the Ambassador for this valuable support.

Further, Prof. Tayebi elaborated on ECOSF’s collaborative engagements with regional and international organizations. Through these partnerships, ECOSF facilitates opportunities for scientists, students, and educators to attend trainings, workshops, camps, and seminars to stay abreast of emerging technologies and innovations in STI.

He mentioned that ECOSF has invited nominations for the 9^th Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp and Teacher Workshop, scheduled for June 2025 in China. A six-member team from Türkiye has been invited and confirmed to attend the event.

Prof. Tayebi also proposed conducting joint scientific activities within the ECOSF member countries, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation.

Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon emphasized that, despite financial constraints, ECOSF has remained committed to supporting its member countries—including Türkiye—by actively encouraging their participation in various scientific initiatives. He noted that with enhanced financial contributions from member states, the Foundation would be better positioned to expand its activities and implement more impactful regional programs. In this context, he urged Türkiye to ratify the ECOSF Charter and its Additional Protocol, and to extend financial support to the Foundation, enabling it to undertake a greater number of collaborative scientific endeavors.

In response, His Excellency Dr. Neziroğlu thanked President Tayebi for the comprehensive briefing on ECOSF and its initiatives. He assured his full support in advancing the ratification process and in realizing the Foundation’s goals. The Ambassador concurred that sustainable development cannot be achieved without investment in STI, and therefore, ECOSF’s role is both critical and commendable. He expressed support for the idea of joint activities within the ECO region and suggested further consultations between the Embassy and ECOSF to finalize future events.

The meeting marked a positive step towards deepening scientific and technological collaboration within the ECO region. With Türkiye’s potential increased engagement in ECOSF, the region stands to benefit from stronger collective efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development.