Iranian FM Araqchi Meets Chinese President Ahead of Key SCO Ministerial Meeting
Tehran highlights growing role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in global diplomacy amid regional tensions
China, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who is currently in China to attend the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday morning.
The meeting took place ahead of the ministerial session, which was held in Tianjin on July 15.
Araqchi and other foreign ministers from SCO member states gathered to discuss strategies to enhance regional cooperation and address key global issues in political, economic, and security fields.
SCO’s Global Role Expanding
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, Araqchi emphasized that the SCO is evolving beyond a regional bloc and is increasingly asserting its presence on the global stage.
He noted that the upcoming meeting would focus on strengthening cooperation in the energy and trade sectors, in addition to addressing current international developments.
He also confirmed plans to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese and Russian counterparts, along with other high-ranking officials from SCO member states on the sidelines of the event.
Condemnation of Israeli and U.S. Attacks on Iran
Araqchi strongly condemned the recent attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran and its nuclear infrastructure, stating that the international response has been overwhelmingly supportive of Iran.
According to him, more than 120 countries and numerous regional and international organizations have denounced the aggression and expressed their solidarity with the Islamic Republic.
The Council of Foreign Ministers meeting is expected to pave the way for further discussions and final arrangements for an upcoming SCO summit, where expanded cooperation on global and regional issues will take center stage.
Meeting Concluded as Scheduled.
According to reports from Chinese media and official statements from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting was held on July 14–15 in Tianjin as part of the political preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit scheduled for this autumn.
Diplomatic sources also confirmed that the meeting officially concluded as scheduled.
During the sessions, the foreign ministers of SCO member states discussed a range of strategic issues, including political coordination for the upcoming summit, strengthening cooperation in the economic, political, and security fields, and the signing of key resolutions and documents.
Participants included foreign ministers from India, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and other member states. However, some Pakistani media noted that no joint communiqué was issued at the conclusion of the meeting. (PW)
Source: Tasnim