Iran urges close cooperation between ECO, SCO

An Iranian deputy foreign minister called for close interaction and coordination between the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), reiterating Iran’s support for multilateralism.

According to Tasnim news agency, in an address to a foreign ministerial meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Ashgabat, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mahdi Safari underlined the significance of multilateralism in order to address regional and international challenges through common understanding and esprit de corps.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will move forward with its policy of enhancing cordial ties with other countries, particularly neighboring countries,” he said.

“Active participation and multilateral arrangements such as the ECO top the agenda of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy,” he added.

He touched upon Iran and most ECO member states’ membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, calling for the two organizations to work together closely to further boost regional cooperation.

Safari then referred to an assessment report on a document depicting the ECO’s outlook, expressing support for the proposals put forward.

He also called on all member states to join hands to help achieve the organization’s objectives.

The return of the Azerbaijan Republic’s territorial integrity is instrumental in promoting peace and welfare in the Caucasus region, the Iranian deputy foreign minister noted.

As for Afghanistan, he called for supporting the people of Afghanistan in achieving peace and welfare through the ECO’s support program.

ME