Iran permanent membership in SCO diplomatic achievement: President Raeisi

Iran’s President Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi says the approval of the Islamic Republic’s permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a “diplomatic achievement,” calling on the Foreign Ministry and other relevant ministries to take this new opportunity to connect to major Asian economic resources.

"Iran's permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which took place at the Tajikistan summit, was a diplomatic success,” President Raeisi said on Saturday upon returning from a three-day visit to Tajikistan, where he attended the 21st SCO Summit.

He added that Iran’s presence in the SCO as a member state would create a “strong economic connection” for the country, through which it would be linked to Asia's sustainable resources.

"Connecting to the economic resources of Asia is a valuable opportunity for the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.

The SCO on Friday approved documents for Iran's full membership at the Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance at its 21st summit in Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe.

Elsewhere in his remarks, President Raeisi said his visit to Tajikistan had different aspects, including the implementation of Iran’s foreign policy in the fields of “economic diplomacy and neighborhood policy,” which would open a new chapter in relations with Tajikistan.

Pointing to his meetings with senior officials of regional countries, he said that in talks with Tajikistan’s president and authorities, the sides agreed to open a new chapter in economic, political and cultural relations.

He said that during a security meeting on Afghanistan, which was held on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, Iran’s stances were explained and the participants reached a consensus on the situation in the war-ravaged country.

"They agreed that they should pursue the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of all ethnic groups that can represent the noble and dear people of Afghanistan,” President Raeisi stated.

He expressed hope that the achievements of the visit would lead to “effective practical steps” toward the country's economic growth and that Iranian economic actors, investors and the people would take advantage of this opportunity and its benefits.

ME