PNN – Below is an op-ed by Iran’s Foreign Minister, published in a Kyrgyz media outlet.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; the following is an article titled: Shared Interests and Outlook of Iran and Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States, authored by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and published in the Kyrgyz media:
Over the past two decades, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has evolved from a regional body with a security-focused mandate into one of the most influential multilateral mechanisms on the global stage. Today, comprising ten full members, three observer states, and several dialogue partners, the organization encompasses a population of over 3.5 billion people and accounts for nearly one-quarter of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The organization’s growing role in collective security, economic cooperation, and the shaping of Eurasian geopolitical dynamics has established it as a pillar of the regional order. Recognizing this immense potential and following a carefully considered path, the Islamic Republic of Iran finally became a full member in July 2023—a development that opened new horizons for collective cooperation and strengthened Iran’s strategic standing.
Appreciation for Kyrgyzstan’s Exemplary Leadership
The first point I wish to emphasize is my appreciation for the efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic in successfully hosting the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Cholpon-Ata—a meeting that, through meticulous planning, paved the way for effective coordination among members ahead of the summit.
We also extend our gratitude to the President and the Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, the principal hosts of the 2026 summit. The selection of the historic city of Bishkek to host this significant event stands as a testament to Kyrgyzstan’s prominent role in regional integration and its tangible commitment to advancing the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The Pivotal Role of Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime
A key pillar of stability within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure; acting as the organization’s operational arm, it plays a fundamental role in countering security threats. Achievements of this specialized body include the conduct of joint exercises, information exchange, and operational coordination among the security agencies of member states. Elevating this structure to serve as a comprehensive center for addressing the security threats facing member states represents a significant step toward strengthening regional security.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, drawing on its valuable experience in combating drug trafficking, Takfiri terrorism, and transnational organized crime, can play a pivotal role in strengthening this pillar of the organization. The successful hosting of the “Sahad-2025” counter-terrorism exercise on Iranian soil and the active participation of member states’ armed forces serve as clear evidence of the members’ confidence in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s security capabilities and of Tehran’s firm resolve to engage in collective cooperation toward ensuring lasting regional stability.
Firm Condemnation of Encroachment on Iran’s Territorial Integrity
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has consistently adopted an approach rooted in solidarity and adherence to principles when addressing external threats against its member states. In the final declaration of the September 2025 summit, member states firmly condemned any military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran, deeming it contrary to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, and an overt violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Beyond demonstrating the deep solidarity of the organization’s members with Iran, this shared stance sent a clear message to global power centers: the Shanghai Cooperation Organization maintains a unified and coherent approach to defending its members’ security and upholding the rules of the international order. Such a consensus enhances the organization’s political weight in global equations and signals that the era of unilateral actions will be met with a coordinated, collective response from regional powers.