Iran stresses importance of SCO and multilateralism

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh stated on Friday that Iran attaches great importance to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and similar multilateral arrangements. In a post on his X account, Baghaei wrote, "We are in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States. Iran attaches great importance to the SCO and similar multilateral arrangements, which represent a vital force for genuine multilateralism in an era when aggressive unilateralism, breach of inter-state agreements and unlawful use of force are badly undermining the foundational principles of the rule of law and the UN Charter-based legal order."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Kyrgyzstan late on Thursday to attend the Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the SCO member states. The meeting is being held in Cholpon-Ata, a resort town on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.

The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Its current members include China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member of the SCO in 2023. The organization aims to promote cooperation among member states in various fields, including security, trade, and cultural exchanges.

According to Mehr News Agency, the Iranian delegation's participation underscores Tehran's commitment to multilateralism and its desire to strengthen ties with regional partners. The spokesperson's remarks highlight Iran's stance against unilateral actions that violate international law and the UN Charter.