SAEDNEWS: Iran’s First Vice President Emphasizes Economic Cooperation and Artificial Intelligence as Key Priorities for Active Participation in the SCO
According to Saednews, Mohammad-Reza Aref made the remarks on Monday before departing for the Republic of Tajikistan to attend the meeting of prime ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Explaining the main purpose of his visit, the first vice president said the SCO was established in 2001 with the participation of five or six countries and has since expanded to include 10 full members, all of which are influential nations in the region and within Iran’s civilizational sphere.
Aref listed China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Belarus, and Iran as the organization’s full members.
Highlighting the geographical and demographic significance of the member states, he noted that the SCO collectively covers approximately 36 million square kilometers, representing nearly one-quarter of the world’s land area. He also emphasized that the combined population of its member countries constitutes a substantial share of the global population.
Aref also discussed Iran’s accession to the organization, stressing that the Islamic Republic has actively participated in the SCO’s working groups, commissions, and committees. He added that Iran’s extensive common interests with other member states have helped deliver valuable results.
Regarding the objectives of the SCO prime ministers’ meeting, the first vice president explained that the annual gathering provides an opportunity to assess member states’ performance and identify ways to strengthen cooperation.
He noted that this year’s meeting focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of trade and economic cooperation, alongside advancing humanitarian initiatives. The summit’s outcomes are expected to be reflected in several documents and a joint declaration.
