SCO a body for cooperation among independent states: Deputy FM
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a body for cooperation among independent and powerful countries, said the Iranian deputy foreign minister.
Ali Bagheri Kani, the deputy foreign minister for political affairs, made the remarks in a meeting with SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming in Tehran on Monday, adding the multilateralism’s voice is at present heard more than ever in international assemblies, mfa.ir reported.
Bagheri Kani added the SCO’s multilateral-oriented approach indicates that the organization is not a ceremonial one, but one that seeks to respond to an essential security and political need. He said the difference between the SCO and many other Western organizations is that it has been established on the basis of independent states’ decisions and has adopted an approach based on respect for other countries’ independence and sovereignty.
Since the organization’s approach is a justice-based one, the SCO can work out sustainable solutions for international issues.
Ming, for his part, said Iran is one of the most influential countries in the region and the world, which has always had an active presence in the SCO meetings.