Tehran - BORNA - The full text of the speech delivered by Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran's First Vice President, at the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is as follows:
Speech at the Open Session of the SCO Council of Heads of Government
His Excellency Mr. Mikhail Mishustin, Esteemed Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Excellencies, Esteemed Prime Ministers and Heads of Delegations; Ladies and Gentlemen;
I would like to begin by expressing my pleasure at attending the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. I thank Your Excellency and the esteemed Government of the Russian Federation for the worthy organization of this important meeting in the beautiful city of Moscow, and the Russian people for their hospitality. I also thank the SCO Secretariat for planning and coordinating this session.
This meeting is not only an opportunity to review our economic and organizational achievements but also a chance to discuss the path for modernizing and elevating the organization's activities in the current era of profound global change.
Esteemed Attendees; The world today is experiencing deep political, economic, and technological transformations. The international system is transitioning to a new phase—one in which the growth of emerging economies, technological advancements, and increased regional interactions are shaping a new international landscape. The international system based on unilateralism is no longer compatible with the new realities of the world.
In this context, while once again condemning the aggressive attacks by Israel on Iran, which took place with the support and complicity of the United States and witnessed the inaction of the United Nations Security Council, I emphasize that the attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, the ruthless killing of civilians, and criminal operations against military forces outside of mission, university professors, and the killing of women, children, and ordinary citizens constitute a flagrant violation of international norms and are instances of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Although the Islamic Republic of Iran is affected by the consequences of US unilateralism and the crimes of the Zionist regime, we have not neglected, nor will we neglect, our duties and responsibilities as an active, serious, and influential player in multilateral and regional economic and developmental relations.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported genuine multilateralism, respect for the UN Charter, and combating the misuse of international institutions. Iran believes that global security, development, and justice can only be achieved through equal cooperation among nations and an end to the policy of sanctions and pressure. In this regard, the situation faced by the oppressed people of Gaza, who are subjected to famine and starvation imposed by the Zionist regime, is a clear example of a crime against humanity and a continuation of genocide, and it is strongly condemned.
Excellencies; We need collective resilience against future shocks—shocks such as energy insecurity, food insecurity, climate change, threats arising from new technologies, and the increasing dangers posed by the monopoly and dominance present in global financial and monetary systems cannot be ignored. Therefore, we require collective movement toward economic intertwining and the formation of resilient national and regional economies.
In this context, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization must become one of the driving engines of economic integration in the region. The vast human potential, rich natural resources, strategic geographical location, and developing infrastructure among the members of this organization provide unique opportunities for expanding cooperation.
Esteemed Guests; We believe that deepening commercial, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation among members, observers, and dialogue partners must be the main focus of the organization's future activities. On this path, utilizing the capacities of observer states and dialogue partners can pave the way for expanding a common market, technology transfer, increasing scientific and cultural exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people bonds among member nations.
At the recent SCO Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, member state leaders placed special emphasis on modernizing mechanisms for economic cooperation, deepening intergovernmental communication, and enhancing the organization's functions and activities. Drafting the organization's 10-year development strategy, the roadmap for energy cooperation, and issuing multiple statements on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, green industry, multilateral trade, scientific and technological cooperation, and establishing new centers and structures are among the major achievements of the Tianjin Summit.
In line with this, the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to play an active role in implementing the decisions of the Tianjin Summit and realizing the SCO's developmental goals. Iran is prepared to assist and participate in advancing these goals and initiatives, such as strengthening financial mechanisms based on national currencies, developing sustainable transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers, co-producing joint products, enhancing research innovation centers for the development of new technologies and products, and strengthening cooperation in key areas like digital economy and Artificial Intelligence.
Esteemed Guests; One of the crucial components for the success of the SCO is the active role of the private sector. The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the development of the SCO Business Council and the Interbank Consortium, and the strengthening of their operational function and links to joint economic and industrial projects. The Business Council can become an important platform for expanding direct communication between private sectors, developing trade and investment in member states, and facilitating the implementation of joint projects, especially in the fields of digitalization, AI, and green technologies.
Honorable Attendees; Iran's economic diplomacy is founded on developing relations with neighboring and friendly countries and activating transit corridors for goods and passengers. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the creation and enhancement of economic and transportation corridors essential for facilitating trade, ensuring the security of supply chains, food security, poverty reduction, and increasing regional integration. In this regard, Iran is ready to cooperate in developing independent and secure transit corridors.
In conclusion, I reiterate that cooperation between Iran and the SCO member states is a long-term strategy for creating a powerful region through strengthening national sovereignties, facilitating transport and trade, enhancing energy security, developing technology, establishing joint financial and banking infrastructures, and increasing people-to-people connectivity.
I hope the outcomes of this meeting will be another step toward strengthening mutual trust, sustainable development, and integration among the SCO member states.
Speech at the Restricted Session of the SCO
The full text of Mohammad Reza Aref's speech at this restricted session is as follows:
The First Vice President also proposed during his speech at the restricted session—held on the sidelines of the SCO summit with participating leaders—that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization move toward the operationalization of economic and technological projects.
Esteemed Colleagues; The international system is facing a turbulent period with unprecedented threats stemming from the unilateralism and dominance-seeking of a few countries. Our region and the world over the last two years have witnessed major challenges, including the unprecedented, blatant, and audacious violation of the most fundamental human values and the principles of international law and the UN Charter by the Zionist regime with the support of the United States. This has jeopardized the achievements of the global community in the post-World War era.
I take this opportunity to thank the SCO member states for their constructive and encouraging positions regarding these aggressions and attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Esteemed Colleagues; The future of the world will be shaped by regional alliances and integration. Our region, through mechanisms such as the SCO and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), can utilize its immense resources and capacities to foster greater levels of cooperation and maintain and enhance the power of its members against increasing pressures and challenges.
Accordingly, the SCO must move beyond the stage of dialogue and coordination and enter the phase of operationalizing joint economic and technological projects. Real integration is achieved when our nations feel the benefits of this cooperation in their daily lives.
The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the SCO must strengthen its economic dimension further. The organization has achieved valuable accomplishments in the security, cultural, and political dialogue spheres, but the time has come for economic cooperation to be prioritized on the organization's agenda.
We believe that genuine and sustainable development is contingent upon intra-regional development, reduction of trade barriers, expansion and facilitation of cooperation in transportation and transit, and the formation of value chains in the region. Within this framework, Iran welcomes any initiative that leads to the development of connectivity, expansion of trade, and strengthening of joint investment among member states.
Dear Friends; The rapid changes in the global economy have highlighted the necessity of establishing independent and regional financial mechanisms. One of the West's tools of pressure against independent countries is the misuse of international financial and banking systems.
Iran Supports the Establishment of the SCO Development Bank
We believe our organization has reached sufficient maturity regarding the necessity of creating an independent financial and banking system and must operationalize existing ideas to ensure its financial security.
In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran fully supports the establishment of the 'SCO Development Bank' as a joint financial institution to finance infrastructure and development projects, and to create monetary and banking mechanisms, including settlement among member states and reducing members' dependence on unfair global financial systems.
The SCO Interbank Consortium is also an effective mechanism for expanding financial cooperation among members. It is essential to expedite the membership process for the bank nominated by the Islamic Republic of Iran in this consortium. We believe this institution can become one of the main axes of financial support for joint projects and infrastructure capital provision within the SCO framework. The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to establish close and constructive cooperation in connecting banking systems, developing FinTech cooperation, and facilitating financial and credit exchanges among members.
Proposal for a Joint Cryptocurrency
Furthermore, with the aim of developing modern and secure financial platforms for the organization, it is proposed that a joint cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology and Artificial Intelligence be designed. Implementing this idea can facilitate economic exchanges among member states, enhance trust and transparency, and play a key role in strengthening regional integration and achieving the SCO's sustainable development goals. It is also necessary for member states to cooperate closely and interact seriously to introduce a new and more efficient mechanism for interbank messaging.
Esteemed Attendees; Recent developments have reinforced the importance of creating stable and resilient supply chains. Some powers seek to dominate global transportation and trade choke points; therefore, SCO members must utilize the capacity and capability of their members to create reliable routes, free from the influence of external and disruptive factors, by identifying vulnerabilities to guarantee the resilience and security of their supply chains.
Iran is ready and keen for such cooperation to develop transportation corridors independent of the influence of external factors.
Iran is ready to cooperate in developing secure and efficient transportation corridors. We prioritize the development and completion of the North-South International Corridor (INSTC) and East-West routes. Connecting Chabahar Port to the national and international railway network, alongside the Rasht-Astara railway line, will provide new capacities for regional transit and trade. As the custodian of the North-South Corridor Agreement, Iran is ready to cooperate in creating a multilateral mechanism for managing and facilitating traffic along this route.
Emphasis on Collective Cooperation for Energy Security
Excellencies; The Islamic Republic of Iran also emphasizes the importance of collective cooperation for safeguarding energy resources and ensuring global energy security, and has consistently pursued a multilateralism policy in this area. As a major oil and gas producer, Iran has actively participated in and supports the drafting and implementation of the SCO Energy Strategy document. At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran firmly opposes unjust and unilateral sanctions, viewing them as a disruptive factor to global energy security and detrimental to the international economy.
The Future is in Trust and Cooperation
Dear Colleagues; The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the bright future of our region lies in trust, cooperation, and the genuine intertwining of national interests. The SCO must present a model of balanced development, peaceful coexistence, and constructive dialogue among Asian civilizations. Today, this organization requires a fresh outlook, an agile structure, and comprehensive cooperation more than ever before.
We must leverage its unique capacity in the economic, cultural, technological, and human fields to achieve sustainable development and shared regional security. The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to actively cooperate within the framework of approved programs, alongside the organization's members and partners, to achieve the SCO's goals in economic growth, cultural exchanges, and technological innovation.
In this regard, the establishment of joint infrastructure for communication networks and new technologies through a 'Joint ICT Laboratory' is important and emphasized for exchanging experiences, developing scientific and research capacities, and cooperating in the creation and development of platforms for commercial, financial, and educational services.
Proposal to Form the SCO Parliamentary Assembly
Furthermore, to increase people-to-people contact and utilize the capacity of member states' parliaments to pass supportive legislation and remove legal obstacles to economic cooperation, the Islamic Republic of Iran wishes to propose the initiative for the establishment of a 'Parliamentary Assembly of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States.'
In conclusion, I wish this meeting success, and for the nations of the SCO, welfare, prosperity, well-being, and bright horizons. I also wish success to the Republic of Tajikistan as the next Chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.
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