Iranian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Ali Akbar Jokar sees the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a symbol of multilateralism aiming to foster closer ties among member states and create mutual benefits.
Iran gained full membership of the SCO at the end of the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in July last year, and became the ninth member of the organization.
In an interview ahead of the 24th SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Jokar stressed the important position of the SCO in Iran's foreign policy priorities.
"As you are aware, this is the first time which we are participating in this session as a full member(ship) of the SCO. And it is a very big event. Unfortunately, our late president [couldn't attend]. We were planning to his visit, but unfortunately, regarding to that catastrophe, which you are aware about that. Today, we don't have him. But generally SCO is a very important organization, and for Iranian government, it's priority in foreign policy," he told China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The ambassador expressed the hope that Iran would effectively utilize the opportunities presented by cooperation with other member countries across a wide range of fields.
"I can say it's one of the symbol of multilateralism in the world, can be used for all more than 40 percent of population of the world, to close each other and to be strengthened in the world as one voice. And I do believe that it is also for Iranian side, it's a very good opportunity. And we hope that to enjoy advantages of this organization, which it is working in all aspects and difference area, which I do believe that all of it would be very beneficial for member states," he said.
Iranian ambassador sees SCO as symbol of multilateralism
