President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the crucial role of interior ministries in fostering economic and regional relations, particularly among member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
In an address at the 4th ECO Interior Ministers Meeting, the Iranian president said on Tuesday that the gathering of the Economic Cooperation Organization member states, following a long hiatus, reflects a renewed commitment among member states to enhance cooperation and coordination in vital areas.
Pezeshkian highlighted that interior ministries are not only essential in their specialized domains but also play a pivotal role in establishing the foundational infrastructure necessary for economic development, particularly in ensuring security and stability.
He stated, “Success in regional economic cooperation requires robust, predictable, stable, and resilient common frameworks and foundations, in which interior ministries play an indispensable role in providing and reinforcing these prerequisites.”
The president pointed out that collaboration on border security, combating illegal immigration, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and various forms of terrorism are critical areas where these ministries can make a significant impact. He also underscored the importance of these ministries in addressing potential national and regional crises, including natural disasters and geopolitical changes.
Furthermore, Pezeshkian referred to the ECO as a legacy of decades of collective effort towards economic integration, with untapped potential still available. He expressed optimism regarding the ECO members' willingness to deepen and expand cooperation, particularly following recent proposals made at the organization’s summit in Azerbaijan, aimed at developing the ECO Vision 2035.
According to the president, the ECO acts as a vital bridge for regional nations, facilitating dialogue and collaboration. In today's rapidly changing world, regional cooperation is essential. A key task remains the creation of a unified police force, which is still in development, leaving the region vulnerable.
He added that recently, prosecutors from ECO member states convened in Uzbekistan to enhance judicial cooperation, crucial for economic partnerships.
The region faces significant external threats, including ongoing occupations and humanitarian crises, necessitating a cohesive security framework among Central Asian, Caucasian, South Asian, Western Asian, and Persian Gulf countries, Pezeshkian said.