A/RES/53/15
Page 2
Welcoming the recent developments concerning drug control activities in the region of the Economic
Cooperation Organization, including the growing cooperation between that organization and the United
Nations International Drug Control Programme and the resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers of
the Economic Cooperation Organization at its eighth meeting to strengthen the monitoring of the
international trade in precursors used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic
substances,
Noting that the existing relationship between the Economic Cooperation Organization and various
organizations of the United Nations system has contributed towards identifying and assisting regional
programmes in advancing the socio-economic infrastructure of the States members of the Economic
Cooperation Organization, and encouraging further coordinated utilization of available resources in
promoting common objectives of the two organizations,
1. Takes note of the Almaty Declaration1 issued at the fifth meeting of the Heads of State and
Government of the States members of the Economic Cooperation Organization, held at Almaty on 10 and
11 May 1998, which re-emphasizes the importance of and the resolve of the States members of that
organization to promote socio-economic development, enhanced trade and an integrated transport and
communications network in their territories;
2. Takes note also of the Programme of Action of the Economic Cooperation Organization Decade
of Transport and Communications (1998–2007), adopted at the Second Ministerial Meeting on Transport
and Communications of the Economic Cooperation Organization, held at Ashgabat in March 1998, and
invites the specialized agencies and international financial institutions to give due consideration to the
projects envisaged in the Programme of Action for assistance;
3. Notes with satisfaction the signing, at Almaty in May 1998, by the States members of the
Economic Cooperation Organization, of the main text of the Transit Transport Framework Agreement,
aimed at facilitating the transit of goods and passengers, both within the region of the Economic
Cooperation Organization and in neighbouring countries, and invites the relevant United Nations entities
to extend all possible assistance in promoting the objectives of the Framework Agreement both within and
outside the region;
4. Appreciates the entry into force of the agreements on transit trade and visa simplification
procedures for businessmen in the region of the Economic Cooperation Organization, which, in
conjunction with the ongoing technical assistance of the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development concerning trade efficiency and trade and transport facilitation, may contribute to enhancing
intraregional and interregional trade;
5. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of
General Assembly resolution 52/19,2 expresses satisfaction at the enhanced pace of mutually beneficial
interaction between the two organizations through cooperative arrangements entered into by the Economic
Cooperation Organization with various organizations and programmes of the United Nations system, and
requests those organizations to maintain the existing momentum of contacts and cooperation;
1
A/52/962, annex.
2
A/53/435.
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