President Pezeshkian Briefs Cabinet on ‘Fruitful’ SCO Summit
TEHRAN -- President Masoud Pezeshkian briefed his cabinet on Wednesday on the outcomes of his recent trip to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, highlighting progress in economic, cultural and trade relations with member states.
The president, who attended the SCO heads of state meeting in Bishkek, described the talks as “fruitful” and said the discussions were focused on enhancing engagement and expanding ties in diverse areas.
“Each of these meetings yielded beneficial results and favorable outcomes,” Pezeshkian told the cabinet session.
The cabinet approved several key measures during the Wednesday session, including the establishment of a Supreme Council for Art and Literature, a request to parliament to prioritize consideration of a bill for Iran’s membership in the Women’s Development Organization of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and authorization for the entry and clearance of eight hospital lifts donated by charitable organizations.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also presented a comprehensive report on recent meetings and negotiations within the SCO framework.
Araghchi elaborated on the constructive interactions between Iran and SCO members, emphasizing the formation of dynamic and growing relations aimed at realizing the country’s national interests, the report said.
Iran formally joined the SCO as a full member in 2023, strengthening its ties with China, Russia, and Central Asian states as part of its “Look East” foreign policy strategy aimed at reducing Western influence and countering sanctions.
The SCO membership has provided Tehran with a platform to expand economic cooperation and offset the impact of U.S.-led sanctions.
A senior Iranian official said that the president’s engagement with SCO leaders had opened new avenues for trade and investment, particularly in transportation and energy sectors.
“Iran’s strategic location as a transit hub between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf was a key focus of the discussions,” the official said.