TEHRAN -- A group of Iranian lawmakers on Sunday called on the administration of President Ebrahim Raisi to activate economic diplomacy and make plans to derive the maximum benefit from country’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
In a letter addressed to Raisi, 160 Iranian MPs thanked his administration for active diplomatic efforts in advancing Iran’s ‘Look to the East’ policy and in achieving permanent membership at the Shanghai bloc.
In a notable diplomatic success, Iran became a full member of the SCO on September 17, after waiting for years as an observer to join the rapidly expanding Eurasian political, economic and security alliance, led by Russia and China.
The accession was announced during the 21st meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Tajikistan’s capital city of Dushanbe, with President Raisi in attendance.
In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized the significance of “connecting with the Central Sea and the Sea of Oman, which will realize Iran’s share of the Shanghai Pact.”
“In order to acquire at least 2.5 percent of Shanghai GDP, the MPs suggest that the esteemed administration make more endeavors regarding the construction of the Chabahar railway and making it operational, and also give a special mission to the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development to implement this vital project,” they added.