Statement by H.E. Dr. Seyed Mohammad Hossein Adeli, 

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Distinguished Delegates, 

Honorable Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

          It gives me great pleasure to have this opportunity to speak at this important gathering which provides the opportunity to consolidate our common will to pursue the cause of our regions and to deepen our perception of regional cooperation. I also would like to welcome our guests and extend to them my best wishes for pleasant stay in Tehran. 

 

          Economic globalization and its accompanying implications have now become irreversible, affecting the interests of different countries and touching the lives of our common people whose welfare is our utmost objective. Institutionalization of trading rules and regimes, especially within the World Trade Organization, combined with financial and monetary policies of the IMF and World Bank, have all paved the way for internationalization of economy in relation to trade, money and investments. In this rapidly moving process many developing countries are facing difficulties in their attempts to integrate and have full participation in the world economy. Under these circumstances, regional arrangements can present opportunities for countries to assess their position, potentials and opportunities for presence in the world economy. 

 

Distinguished delegates, 

 

          Formation of Economic Cooperation Organization and its affiliated specialized agencies led to the signing of tens of agreements among member states. This is a clear indication of political will of the ECO member states to promote regional cooperation in the context of this Organization. 

 

          The unique geo-strategic position of ECO region, centuries old cultural ties and interactions among its nations, and highly-qualified manpower together with rich natural resources, all gathered in an organization with a history of almost two decades, have created a conducive ground for boosting collective efforts among her member countries. 

 

          In the first decade of its activities, the Economic Cooperation Organization took a series of steps to create a comprehensive framework and work out the mechanisms needed to foster both intra-regional and inter- regional cooperation. Therefore, we can declare the first decade of ECO as the "Decade of institutionalization" during which the basic documents and foundations for cooperation were laid down. We expect that during the Second decade, the approved documents and decisions come in to force for realization of the objectives and goals stipulated in the Treaty of Izmir for expansion of cooperation among ECO Member States. 

 

          Today ECO is to implement the agreements, review its goals, and determine short-term priorities to cope with the exigencies of our contemporary world. 

 

          The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to the regional cooperation in the framework of ECO. We believe that this organization provides unique opportunities for the Member States to expand their relations for a more prosperous future, among themselves and with other regions of the world. 

 

Distinguished delegates, 

 

          ECO attaches great importance to its cooperation with other regional organizations especially with United Nations' organs. The Institutionalization of cooperation between ECO and ASEAN is under process and the cooperation between ECO and UNDP and UNDCP enjoys amicable atmosphere. 

 

          There are some challenges in international arena which their solving require collective cooperation and exchange of views. The potential areas of cooperation are diverse and vast. 

 

          Believing on the importance of trade and investment cooperation, I propose holding of investment seminars to be attended by business communities and investors and businessmen from our organizations to visit member Countries to explore opportunities for investment. Information and communications technology has the potential to create unlimited opportunities for coordination among our diverse nations. Application of this technology will contribute to higher level and better quality of relationships among regional organizations. 

 

          Another way to bring the organizations closer together is by putting in place legal instruments and agreements-for example- conclusion of agreements on Dialogue Partner or Observer Status. Signing of Dialogue Partner Agreement among the regional organizations can lay the ground for greater cooperation and implementation of joint projects. 

 

          Drug control is another area which the regional organizations work to combat the menace of drug trafficking. We have taken fundamental steps forward in this common effort. We would like to see more coordination among regional bodies in this campaign. The ECO Secretariat has established a drug control unit in cooperation with the United Nations Drug Control Programme. 

 

          It is very clear what happened in Afghanistan created lots of problems which affected our region and neighboring countries. ECO Member States have prepared the arrangement for establishing a Special Fund for reconstruction of Afghanistan. This Fund needs more amounts to be more efficient. 

 

          Finally, I hope these meetings will help us to benefit from opportunities arising from the globalization process, protect us against its harmful consequences and contribute to happiness and prosperity of people of our regions. 

 

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