WANA (Dec 28) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with Nurlan Yermekbayev, the newly appointed Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), during his official visit to China.

 

Araghchi praised the SCO’s growing role in promoting multilateralism and safeguarding member states’ security and political interests. “With key members including two UN Security Council permanent members and several influential regional players, the SCO has immense potential to strengthen cooperation in security, politics, and economics,” he said.

 

Yermekbayev welcomed Iran’s full membership in the SCO since 2023, emphasizing Iran’s significant capacity to enhance the organization’s influence. He expressed support for Iran’s initiatives to expand SCO activities in economic, banking, and trade sectors.

 

The SCO is comprised of 10 full members, including Iran, China, Russia, and India. Mongolia and Afghanistan hold observer status, while nations like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the UAE are dialogue partners.

 

Speaking to reporters, Araghchi said that a wide range of issues were discussed with Chinese officials, including Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, and counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan, Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. “Iran views 2025 as a critical year for its nuclear issue and is actively engaging with partners like China on this matter,” he noted.

 

During his meeting with the SCO Secretary-General, Araghchi reviewed Iran’s proposals for deepening collaboration with the organization in trade, energy, security, and other key areas.