Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, called on member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to formally engage with the Islamic Emirate during the organization’s summit held in Azerbaijan.

He emphasized that Afghanistan’s inclusion within the framework of regional cooperation not only benefits the country itself, but also contributes to regional stability and development.

In his speech, Baradar referred to the Russian Federation’s recent decision to recognize the caretaker government, calling it a "significant step" toward the international legitimacy of Afghanistan’s current administration.

Former diplomat Aziz Maarij stated that, under the current circumstances, it is beneficial for senior officials of the Islamic Emirate to participate in international and regional gatherings, such as those hosted in Azerbaijan. “This is a valuable opportunity,” he said.

Political analyst Najiburrahman Shamal also noted that the participation of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in the ECO summit is particularly important under the present conditions for good governance, economic development, and several other key issues.

The ECO summit was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the participation of presidents from Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and senior officials from ten member states. The summit focused on expanding economic cooperation, advancing regional trade, improving transit facilities, and launching joint projects in energy and sustainable development.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his speech at the ECO summit in Azerbaijan, announced his country's comprehensive support for Afghanistan.

He stated: “We are pleased that after a long break, a delegation from Afghanistan’s caretaker government is participating in our summit. In fact, we consider our neighbor Afghanistan to be an inseparable part of our organization’s environment and an important member in broader economic cooperation and regional transport connectivity. We fully support it.”

Despite these calls, most countries in the region and the world, except for Russia have not yet recognized the caretaker government. However, diplomatic engagement and consular activities between the Islamic Emirate and several of these countries continue.