TEHRAN – Speaking to the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit in Kankendi, Azerbaijan, President Maud Pezeshkian lashed out at Israeli’s recent attack on Iran, adding that the country’s military has brought about a strong and effective response.
He emphasized that Iran’s decisive actions prevented the escalation of the conflict and protected its own sovereignty.
Pezeshkian strongly condemned criminal acts committed by Israel and listed a variety of targets, including military personnel, academics, innocent civilians, protected nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure. He pointed out that these offensive actions, supported by the United States, blatantly violate the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2, paragraph 4, and prohibit the use of the country’s territorial integrity or forces on political independence.
President Pezeschkian argued that he acted within his rights under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and legally defending the land and sovereignty. The president explained that the defense served as a harsh lesson for invaders and hindered further regional instability.
The Iranian president also praised environmental members and regions for solidarity with Iran and condemning Israel’s invasion. He highlighted the essential needs of regional unity when faced with external dangers.
Pezeshkian noted that many international and regional organizations, including a meeting of foreign ministers in Islamic countries, had strongly condemned attacks by the Zionist regime on Iran. He further emphasized that the ecosummit provided another valuable opportunity to highlight the recent attacks and the regional and global risks that it stemmed from the broader international community.
Pezeschkian then shifted his focus to the role of ECOs, highlighting the importance of building regional economic strength and cooperation. He encouraged ECO members to strengthen relationships by promoting trade, upgrading transportation routes, and creating safe areas that embrace new technologies and thrive.
Recognizing that progress has been made since the establishment of the organization in 1964, Pezeschkian pointed out the need to address sustainable challenges. He called for a strong push to expand intra-regional trade as the current 8% level is well below the target. He called for the rapid finalization and implementation of the eco-trade agreement, and insisted that consultations should be launched to establish a free trade zone by 2035.
President Pezeschkian also emphasized the need to modernize and improve existing trade agreements, arguing that it will not be able to meet the economic needs of member states for the next decade.
To promote access to global markets for inland members, Pezeschkian highlighted the urgent need to improve transportation infrastructure and recommended that these inland states provide new trade and transportation privileges.
Recognizing the growing importance of technology, President Pezeschkian proposed establishing an AI eco-regional centre with the aim of enhancing competitiveness and cooperation. He also encouraged further investment in tourism across the eco-region and harnessed the cultural and natural heritage of member countries.
The President concluded by highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic and highlighting the need for national and regional preparation. He promoted eco as an important tool to promote resilience, and argued that the ECO’s 2035 vision needed to urgently address key issues to ensure sustainable growth and stability across member states.