Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 26 April, as part of the international event “Shakhrisabz - the tourist capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization”, a forum was held on the topic “Tourism without borders in the territory of the Economic Cooperation Organization”.

The event was attended by leaders and high-ranking guests of delegations of ECO member states, including Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

“We have many opportunities to work together to develop tourism within the ECO. Tourism can be a goal that guides us, a source that moves us towards common goals. We propose our joint efforts to protect and promote our common natural and cultural heritage, strengthen diplomatic relations and increase investment in tourism infrastructure towards consolidating mutual interests throughout the ECO, as well as realizing existing opportunities and sharing best practices with each other,” emphasized Chairman of the Tourism Committee Umid Shadiev.

Forum participants expressed support for joint efforts aimed at creating favorable conditions for the development of sustainable and inclusive tourism.

They also expressed an opinion on increasing the tourism potential of the Member States to stimulate domestic tourism in the ecological space and increase the mutual tourist flow.

“I call for continued cooperation among ECO member states to unlock the full potential of tourism for economic development and regional integration.

Let us work together to identify opportunities and solve problems to contribute to a brighter future for our peoples and citizens.

By working together on our strengths, we can strengthen our position in the global tourism sector and promote cultural exchange,” said ECO Secretary General Khusraw Najiri.

As a result of the forum, the Shakhrisabz Declaration was adopted, based on the agreement of the ECO member states and the initiatives of Uzbekistan.