Iran drafts 2-year plan to utilize SCO capacities: First VP

Tehran - BORNA - Mohammad Reza Aref, speaking before his departure to Tajikistan to attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, said: "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was formed in 2001 with the participation of five or six countries and now has 10 official members, which are important countries in the region and Iran's civilizational sphere."

Pointing to the organization's membership composition, he added: "China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Belarus, and Iran are the official members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization."

Highlighting the geographical and demographic expanse of the member states, the first vice president noted: "These countries collectively cover an area of about 36 million square kilometers, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the world's landmass. Furthermore, the population of the member states constitutes a significant portion of the global population."

Referring to the process of Iran's membership in the SCO, Aref stated: "From the time of its observer status until now that it has become an official member of this organization, the Islamic Republic of Iran has had serious participation in its working groups, commissions, and committees, and due to extensive commonalities with member states, has achieved valuable results."

"We emphasize Iran's capacities, including logistics, transportation, and advanced technologies, and our strategy is active and effective presence in this organization," he added.

Pointing to the objectives of the SCO prime ministers' meeting, the first vice president said: "This meeting is held annually with the aim of evaluating the performance of member states and examining ways to develop cooperation. The focus of this year's summit is the effectiveness of trade and economic cooperation and humanitarian actions, and its results will be announced in the form of several documents and statements."

"Since this meeting is held at the highest executive level of the member states, budgetary issues are also on the agenda and will be reviewed and approved," Aref continued.

Highlighting the government's plans to utilize the SCO's capacities, he stated: "The government has formulated a two-year action plan aimed at maximizing the use of the organization's capacities in various areas. In addition to economic and trade cooperation, developing ties in the field of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence is also among Iran's priorities within the framework of this organization."

The first vice president also announced plans for bilateral meetings with the prime ministers of the participating countries at the summit, expressing hope that these meetings would lead to the strengthening of bilateral relations and the expansion of joint cooperation.

Pointing to the approach of the SCO and the BRICS group in countering unilateralism, Aref said: "The initial goals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization were mainly focused on security issues, maintaining safety, and countering violence, but the organization gradually moved towards developing economic cooperation as well. In contrast, BRICS has emphasized reforming global governance structures and countering unilateralism from the beginning."

"This strategy will also be discussed at this summit, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will declare its positions in this regard," he added.

Emphasizing the importance of countering unilateralism, the first vice president said: "The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization emphasize the necessity of strengthening regional cooperation. The approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran is also based on developing regional cooperation and multilateralism, and this organization can play an effective role in strengthening regional integration."

Referring to Iran's cooperation with some SCO member states within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Aref noted: "A significant portion of Iran's political and economic perspectives and strategies is also pursued in interaction with the member states of this union."

He concluded by stressing: "The strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to move based on common ground with the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Although there are differences of opinion on some regional and international political issues, we try to resolve these differences through dialogue and interaction and achieve common goals."

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