I extend my congratulations on the occasion of ECO Day anniversary on December 28 and the auspicious expansion of Economic Cooperation Organization from a 3- member organization to a 10- member one.

Sixteen years ago, the countries of the region, with the determination to establish a new ambiance of regional understanding and interaction, gave new life to the Economic Cooperation Organization by accession of seven new member states. Today, despite all rises and falls and by relying on the success which has been achieved through this regional cooperation, the same determination is the herald of a brighter future and more prosperity for the regional nations.

Establishment of Eco Trade and Development Bank, implementation of ECOTA, signing agreements on investment promotion and Eco international cooperation development are all among  some of the achievements which have been realized throughout recent years and through Your Excellency’s undoubtedly effective endeavor. However, there is still abundant capacity to improve the welfare of the region’s nations through Economic Cooperation Organization.

ECO has created high capacities within its arrangements to actualize these objectives. More extensive and more solid regional interaction and cooperation can definitely occur under the auspices of organization of such nature and to eventually shape a future with greater welfare and prosperity for the region’s nations.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, as one of the founding member states of Economic of Cooperation Organization and the host of the Secretariat of this organization, is willing to utilize all its potentials and facilities within, the framework of Eco to support member states initiatives to develop and deepen regional and bilateral ties.