Tehran Embraces New Regional Engagement: ECO Cooperation Enters Exciting New Era

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has recently emphasized the significance of constructive dialogue among member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). This dialogue has opened “a new horizon” for regional collaboration, representing a crucial moment for cultural, tourism, and economic synergy among member nations.

During a press conference on Monday evening, coinciding with a ceremony celebrating the anniversary of ECO’s establishment, Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri expressed that the member states are “on the verge of entering a new era of regional convergence,” with Iran poised to take on a central role in this transformative process.

Salehi-Amiri highlighted the Iranian government’s commitment to “constructive” diplomacy, pointing out that regional countries are eager to expand joint initiatives. He stated, “President Pezeshkian has repeatedly underlined the importance of strengthening regional convergence, and this has created the foundation for a new leap forward in our relations with ECO member states.”

Furthermore, the minister underscored the significance of recent structured and results-oriented discussions with ECO partners aimed at modernizing and activating shared capacities in cultural heritage and tourism. He remarked, “Today, more than ever, there is an opportunity to create fresh potential in these sectors. The capacities we have must be reviewed, updated, and mobilized in a targeted way.”

In his remarks, Salehi-Amiri also pointed out the recovery of Iran’s tourism industry, describing it as a sign that the sector is “returning to a stable and reliable path.” He shared that 7,399,000 tourists visited Iran during the last Iranian calendar year (which ended on March 20, 2025), with the ministry aiming for at least 5 percent growth in the current year. Despite experiencing “some interruptions” in June and July, strong performance was noted in October and November, leading him to confidently declare that Iranian tourism is reinforcing its position.

The minister emphasized that “regional cohesion” is essential for constructing a new architecture of cooperation within ECO. He asserted that the organization has the potential to become a powerful hub for economic, cultural, and tourism initiatives if it enhances its collective narrative and coordinated policymaking. He also stressed the need for cultural and tourism exchanges to be elevated to a strategic level to bolster economic development and cultural diplomacy among member states.

“We believe that the ECO region, with its shared historical and cultural assets, can transform into a center of sustainable synergy in the world, and Iran is ready to contribute actively and effectively to this process,” Salehi-Amiri concluded.

Historically, ECO was founded in 1964 as the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) by Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye. It was renamed the Economic Cooperation Organization in 1985. Today, ECO encompasses over 8 million square kilometers and is home to more than 460 million people, creating a vital link between Asia and Europe, as well as between Eurasia and the Arab world.

As one of the oldest intergovernmental organizations in the region, ECO’s core mission is to foster conditions for sustainable economic development and shared prosperity among its member states. The organization serves as a platform for collaboration and dialogue, aiming to enhance regional integration and cooperation.

Key highlights of Minister Salehi-Amiri’s address include:

• Constructive Dialogue: Emphasis on the importance of dialogue among ECO member states for regional collaboration.
• Tourism Growth: An increase in tourism numbers, with a goal of 5% growth this year.
• Regional Cohesion: Essential for a new architecture of cooperation within ECO.
• Cultural and Tourism Exchanges: Need to elevate these exchanges to a strategic level for economic development.
• Historical Significance: ECO’s roots and mission focus on sustainable economic development.

With these initiatives, Iran aims to play a crucial role in enhancing collaboration and cultural exchange within the ECO framework, paving the way for a prosperous and interconnected future for the region.