WANA (Dec 03) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stressed the need to strengthen the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and expand economic partnerships during the 28th ECO Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Mashhad on Tuesday.

 

Araghchi stated that Iran, as the rotating chair of ECO over the past year, has actively worked toward advancing the organization’s objectives to promote regional unity and progress. “This meeting provides a critical opportunity to exchange views with my counterparts and the ECO Secretary-General on the organization’s latest developments,” he said.

 

Highlighting the economic, agricultural, and tourism potential of Khorasan Razavi province, Araghchi expressed hope that visiting foreign ministers would explore the region’s diverse opportunities during their stay.

 

He also emphasized the province’s strategic role as a bridge connecting Central Asian landlocked nations to open waters through Iran’s southern ports.

The 28th ECO Council of Foreign Ministers, Mashhad, Iran. November 03, 2024. Social media/WANA News Agency

Araghchi condemned the ongoing atrocities by the Israeli regime against Gaza and Lebanon, calling them “unprecedented and brutal.” He also voiced concern over recent movements by extremist groups in Syria, allegedly backed by the U.S. and Israel, and called for regional vigilance and an effective global response.

 

During the ministerial session, Araghchi conveyed President Ebrahim Raisi’s greetings to the attendees and thanked Mashhad’s local authorities for hosting the event. He noted that the agenda includes discussions on enhancing ECO’s economic cooperation and reviewing the finalized cooperation documents drafted by experts during the initial sessions.

 

On the final day, foreign ministers will adopt the “Mashhad Declaration,” a comprehensive statement outlining the outcomes of the meeting. The declaration addresses Mashhad’s proposals on various economic and cultural issues.

 

Participants are also scheduled to visit significant sites, including the Imam Reza Shrine and the tomb of Ferdowsi, the Persian literary icon. A high-tech exhibition showcasing innovative products from Khorasan Razavi province is being held alongside the conference.

The 28th ECO Council of Foreign Ministers, Mashhad, Iran. November 03, 2024. Social media/WANA News Agency

About the ECO

The Economic Cooperation Organization, established in 1964 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, aims to foster economic and cultural collaboration among its members.

 

It expanded in 1992 to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, bringing its total membership to ten nations.

 

The 28th ECO Ministerial Meeting in Mashhad spans December 3 and 4, with 20 foreign delegations in attendance.

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WANA (Dec 01) – The head of the Foreign Ministry’s office in northeastern Iran, Ahmad Masoumi-Far, announced the arrival of foreign delegations in Mashhad ahead of the 28th meeting of foreign ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).   On Sunday, Ahmad Masoumi-Far confirmed that two expert delegations from Turkey and Azerbaijan landed at Mashhad […]

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