TIANJIN (China), Sept 1 (Bernama-IRNA) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to take decisive and transparent steps to foster global peace and enhance economic cooperation, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.
Pezeshkian, who arrived in Tianjin on Sunday, addressed the 25th SCO Heads of State Summit on Monday, highlighting the organisation’s role in shaping a multipolar world order.
He called on member states to pursue parallel strategies for peace-building and financial integration.
To counter the impact of unilateral sanctions, Pezeshkian proposed the establishment of SCO special accounts and a settlements mechanism.
He said the initiative aims to reduce reliance on the US dollar by promoting trade settlements in national currencies.
It also calls for the development of shared digital infrastructure and the use of central bank digital currencies to ensure secure and rapid transactions.
The plan further includes creating a multilateral currency swap fund to support member states facing liquidity challenges or external economic pressure, he added.
Pezeshkian also welcomed proposals to establish specialised centres to combat transnational threats such as drug trafficking and terrorism.
He endorsed the creation of rapid response mechanisms for crises and strategic research hubs to guide policy development, while also advocating for an expansion of the organisation’s official languages to promote inclusivity and cultural exchange.
On infrastructure, Pezeshkian announced that Iran’s Chabahar Port will soon be linked to the national railway network, enhancing connectivity between China, Central Asia, Afghanistan and the Indian Ocean.
He said Iran regards the SCO’s 10-year development strategy as a historic opportunity to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, technology, energy, the digital economy, climate change, culture and science.
Founded in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO today comprises 10 member states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Iran and Belarus.
-- BERNAMA-IRNA
