TASHKENT: Iran has expressed its eagerness to broaden cooperation with member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) within the framework of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).
In a meeting between Ruslan Mirzaev, the director of the SCO RATS Executive Committee, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani in Tashkent, discussions centered around matters of bilateral cooperation and the active participation of Iran’s special services in the SCO RATS format.
Mirzaev acknowledged the positive initiation of work by Iranian representatives within the SCO RATS framework and their active engagement in ongoing expert meetings. The talks emphasized the importance of consolidating efforts and establishing practical multilateral cooperation to effectively counter terrorism.
Iran Highlights Significance of Collaborative Endeavors
Ali Bagheri Kani highlighted the significance of collaborative endeavors on a regional and global scale to address the challenges posed by terrorism. They also discussed various manifestations of terrorism at both global and regional levels.
Parties involved in the meeting exchanged views on organizational matters related to the participation of Iran’s representatives in SCO RATS activities. The engagement underscores Iran’s commitment to contributing actively to the collective efforts of the SCO in the realm of counter-terrorism.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established in 2001, comprises member states China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia hold observer status, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, the UAE, Turkey, and Sri Lanka are partner countries.
In July 2023, Iran formally became a full member of the organization during the SCO summit in New Delhi. The organization’s headquarters for RATS are situated in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
