He also expressed Iran’s support for the proposal put forward by China’s President on reforming global governance.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the SCO, as one of the key pillars of a multipolar international system, must take operational, precise, and transparent measures along two parallel paths: fostering global peace and strengthening the foundations for expanded economic cooperation,” President Pezeshkian stated.
In his speech, President Pezeshkian proposed the creation of a specialized initiative, the “Accounts and Settlements of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” designed to strengthen financial cooperation among member states and reduce the impact of unlawful sanctions. The initiative rests on three key pillars: first, expanding the use of national currencies in settlements to decrease reliance on the US dollar; second, developing shared digital infrastructure and employing central bank digital currencies to ensure secure and efficient payments; and third, establishing a multilateral currency swap fund to assist countries facing sanctions or liquidity shortages.
Pezeshkian called for the formation of a committee comprising foreign ministers from member states to address regional crises threatening peace and security. This committee would be tasked with developing actionable proposals for crisis management and providing timely responses to violations of sovereignty of member nations.
The president highlighted the importance of the SCO as a symbol of peace and mutual benefit, stating that the organization has consistently aimed to guarantee collective security and enhance cooperation across various fields, grounded in principles of trust, equality, and respect for cultural diversity.
He also expressed Iran’s readiness to play an active role in strengthening these cooperative efforts, particularly in light of recent geopolitical challenges, including the illegal military aggression against Iran and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Notably, President Pezeshkian discussed Iran’s strategic geographical position and its potential to facilitate regional cooperation and access for interested countries. He announced that the Port of Chabahar in the Indian Ocean would soon be connected to Iran’s national railway network, significantly enhancing connectivity between China, Central Asian countries, and Afghanistan.
He viewed the SCO’s 10-year development strategy as a historic opportunity for expanding cooperation and investment in infrastructure, technology, energy, digital economy, climate change, and cultural exchange.
President Pezeshkian congratulated Kyrgyzstan on assuming the presidency of the SCO for the upcoming year and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to advancing the organization’s goals.
