TEHRAN -- President Ebrahim Raisi says Iran’s full 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 make the best use of Asia’s economic resources.
“Iran’s permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which took place at the Tajikistan summit, was a diplomatic success,” Raisi said after returning from a three-day visit to Tajikistan to attend the 21st SCO summit.
The membership will create a channel to be linked with Asia’s resources, he said, calling this a valuable opportunity.
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.
Raisi touched on his meetings with senior officials of the regional countries, saying in talks with Tajikistan’s president and authorities, the two sides agreed to open a new chapter in economic, political and cultural relations.
He said 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 Afghan groups should pursue the formation of an inclusive government with the participation of all ethnic groups that can represent the noble people of Afghanistan,” Raisi stated.
He also expressed hope that the achievements of the visit would lead to “effective practical steps” toward Iran’s economic growth.