ECO Secretary General Meets Mr. Leik Boonwaat, the new Representative of UNODC in Tehran

ECO Secretary General H.E. Dr. Shamil Aleskerov received Mr. Leik Boonwaat, the new Representative of the “United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime” (UNODC) in Tehran, AVA Diplomatic Reports.While reviewing the existing cooperation between ECO and UNODC, the two sides discussed the possible areas of further cooperation. Referring to core ECO activities Ambassador Aleskerov expressed readiness to expand cooperation between ECO Drug and Organized Crime Coordination Unit (DOCCU) and UNODC. Mr. Boonwaat also briefed the Secretary General on global activities of the UNODC, including in West and Central Asia.

He further explained about the situation of crops production in Afghanistan and its impacts on the neighbouring countries and ECO region. The secretary General informed the UNODC Representative in Tehran of the ECO targeted activities and projects for Afghanistan through “ECO Fund for Reconstruction of Afghanistan” and proposed that two organizations may develop joint projects in the framework of UNODC “Alternative Development Project for Afghanistan”.

The exchanges between ASEAN, ECO and UNODC  on the best practices for addressing drugs related challenges was another issue raised by the Secretary General and welcomed by Mr. Boonwaat. Furthermore, both sides agreed to collaborate on public awareness raising on the menace of the illegal  drugs in the ECO region.  The two organizations will soon develop outline for future cooperation based on the provisions of the existing Memorandum of Understanding as well as the outcomes of this meeting.