SCO backs Iran’s counter-terrorism policies

Beijing, March 9, IRNA - The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretariat Adviser Vladimir Zakharov said Saturday that the Organization is in support of Tehran’s policies, particularly those on the economic cooperation and the fight against terrorism. SCO attaches great importance to its relations with Iran, Zakharov told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) in an interview. The SCO official also described Iran as an important player in the region. He added the SCO has positive attitudes about fostering cooperation with Tehran. Referring to friendly relations between Iran and the Organization, Zakharov said the SCO member countries can develop ties with Tehran in the future. Cordial relations between the SCO member states and Iran as an observer indicate that the two sides can prepare the ground for furthering relations in various areas, Zakharov added. The strategic position Iran has in the region can help the SCO reach its goals, the advisor said. He further referred to the Iran-SCO trade exchange as a way to strengthen bilateral cooperation. SCO as an international body has eight member states including India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan; The SCO observer states are Iran, Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish