ALWAGHT- Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, emphasized that the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) should take on a “leading” and “effective” role in establishing a new regional economic order in West Asia.
At the opening of the second Iran–ECO Conference in Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the Economic Cooperation Organization has laid important foundations for regional collaboration but has yet to reach its full potential. He argued that the ECO could become a successful model of multilateral economic cooperation and should play a leading role in shaping a new regional economic order.
Araghchi highlighted the strategic importance of closer ties with Central, South, and West Asian states, noting that collective action and long-term planning are crucial. He said the upcoming ECO Vision 2035 must be realistic, measurable, and build on past lessons, offering a roadmap to sustainable development, regional security, and prosperity.
He also addressed wider geopolitical challenges, condemning Israeli actions backed by major powers as violations of international law that undermine global stability. Such conditions, he argued, highlight the urgency of strengthening multilateral mechanisms and developing new frameworks for collective action among nations.
Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to regional and multilateral initiatives, Araghchi underlined Iran’s strategic role in the ECO due to its energy resources and pivotal location. He said Iran is well-positioned to serve as a hub for transferring energy from Central Asia and Eurasia to global markets, making it a vital player in advancing regional trade, transport, and economic integration.
