Iran VP urges SCO states to fight smuggling, terrorism

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi has urged Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to take more action to counter threats such as drug trafficking and terrorism.

“In today’s world, where security threats and destabilizing elements are growing in the region and the world, the need for collective efforts by countries to deal with threats such as terrorism and drug trafficking is more evident,” Rahimi said on Wednesday addressing the 11th meeting of SCO prime ministers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Highlighting that the SCO is becoming a more prestigious and influential institution, Rahimi urged the organization to play a more active role in regional and global developments.

Rahimi said the Islamic Republic believes in using a regional approach to solve the problems of the Middle East.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian vice president expressed support for the establishment of the SCO energy association, saying Tehran would seriously participate in its creation.

The SCO is an intergovernmental security organization that was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan, Iran, India, Mongolia, and Pakistan are observer states.

The Iranian official is also scheduled to hold talks with senior Kyrgyz officials including President Almazbek Atambayev, Parliament Speaker Asylbek Jeenbekov and Prime Minister Zhantoro Satybaldiyev on the sidelines of the summit.