Iran Highlights Israeli Threat at ECO Summit, Calls for Unity
Masoud Pezeshkian has denounced recent Israeli actions against Iran, highlighting that the Iranian armed forces provided a strong response that prevented the escalation of conflict and safeguarded the country's sovereignty.
During the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi on Friday, Pezeshkian strongly denounced Israel’s actions, accusing them of targeting military personnel, university academics, civilians, internationally monitored peaceful nuclear sites, and public infrastructure.
Pezeshkian characterized the 12-day Israeli offensives, which were backed by the United States, as blatant violations of the United Nations Charter. He specifically pointed to Article 2, paragraph 4, which forbids the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any nation.
In this conflict, Iran’s military forces, adhering to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, rightfully safeguarded the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, delivering a definitive setback to the aggressors and averting the escalation of war across the region, he stated.
Trump applauded the member countries of the ECO and other regional nations for their support and condemnation of Israel’s actions, highlighting the crucial role of regional unity in confronting external threats.
He stated that numerous international and regional entities, such as the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Islamic Countries, have firmly denounced the Zionist regime’s assaults on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization serves as a significant platform to highlight recent acts of aggression, along with the regional and global threats they entail, to the international community,” he stated.
Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of the Economic Cooperation Organization as a cornerstone for enhancing regional economic stability and collaboration. He called on member nations to strengthen this alliance by enhancing trade, optimizing transit networks, and adopting emerging technologies to foster a prosperous and resilient region.
Pezeshkian highlighted the role of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in fostering regional development, acknowledging that while the organization, established in 1964 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, has achieved progress, it continues to face several challenges.
He emphasized the necessity of boosting intra-regional trade, which currently stands at a mere 8 percent, significantly below the intended objectives. He urged concerted efforts to finalize and execute the ECO trade agreement and pressed for the initiation of negotiations aimed at establishing a free trade zone by 2035.
The existing trade agreement demands a comprehensive overhaul and update, according to Pezeshkian. “In its present form, it is inadequate to address the economic needs of our member nations over the next decade,” he stated.
Enhancing transit and transportation infrastructure stands as a significant priority, particularly to improve access to global markets for the seven landlocked member states.
Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of granting new privileges at entry and exit points for landlocked countries to enhance trade and transit efficiency.
The president underscored the increasing significance of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, proposing the establishment of a regional AI center under the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to enhance collaboration and competitiveness.
Tourism has been identified as a key sector with the potential to significantly boost economic growth across ECO nations. Pezeshkian has called for increased investment to capitalize on the region’s abundant cultural and natural assets.
Pezeshkian highlighted the critical importance of resilience in response to previous crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the necessity for comprehensive national and regional preparedness to address future challenges effectively.
Pezeshkian emphasized the significance of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in fostering regional and collective resilience through its robust frameworks. He stated that the organization’s Vision 2035 should seriously tackle these challenges to guarantee enduring growth and stability among its member nations.
The 17th ECO Summit convened leaders and government officials to strengthen collaborative efforts and establish a strategic vision for peace, prosperity, and stability across Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, and West Asia.
