Moscow, IRNA – Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref says the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) possesses significant capacities, and that cooperation within the bloc promotes peace and friendship.
Aref made the remarks while speaking with reporters at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport, where he arrived on Monday afternoon to attend the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, scheduled to begin the following day.
“The members of this organization share extensive cultural, historical, and civilizational commonalities, and from this perspective, the SCO is regarded in the region as the best union or organization for expanding cooperation,” the senior Iranian official said.
He added that cooperation within the SCO contributes to promoting peace, stability, and friendship.
Aref also noted that Iran has strengthened its cooperation within the SCO since becoming an official member state in 2023.
“We hope that, God willing, this process will lead to a very favorable situation, enabling us to make use of the benefits of membership in this organization for our own interests, for the interests of regional countries, and for the sake of peace, stability, and friendship among nations around the world,” he noted.
The vice-president departed for Moscow earlier on Monday at the official invitation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The two are set to meet later in the day.
During his stay in the Russian capital, the Iranian VP is also scheduled to meet with officials from other participating countries.