President Calls for the Establishment of a Unified ‘ECO Police Force’ for Enhanced Environmental Protection
The 4th Meeting of Interior Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is currently taking place at the Summit Conference Hall in Tehran, marking a significant return after a 15-year hiatus. This event aligns with the Iranian government’s goal of fostering engagement and enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries, making it a pivotal moment for regional collaboration.
High-profile attendees include ministers and senior officials from various nations such as Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The event also features the ECO Secretary-General, the Interior Minister of Oman, and the Deputy Interior Minister of Iraq.
During his address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warmly welcomed the delegations and characterized the gathering as a testament to the renewed commitment among member states to enhance cooperation and coordination in essential areas of mutual interest. He highlighted the significant role of interior ministries, stating:
“Interior ministries are not only vital in their specialized fields but also provide the essential foundations for economic development — namely, security and social stability.”
President Pezeshkian pointed out that in the realm of multilateral economic cooperation, neglecting the role of interior ministries would be illogical. He underscored their importance in ensuring resilience and predictability within regional frameworks. He elaborated on the necessity of:
- Cross-border collaboration
- Joint efforts in border management
- Effective law enforcement
- Combatting illegal migration
- Addressing human trafficking and drug smuggling
- Countering terrorism and organized crime
These elements are deemed central to achieving lasting regional stability and prosperity. President Pezeshkian also emphasized the crucial role that ministers and affiliated organizations play in responding to future crises, including:
- Natural disasters
- Pandemics
- Geopolitical shifts
- Other security challenges
He expressed that the ECO region requires robust institutional foundations now more than ever. The organization, he noted, is a product of continuous efforts by member states toward economic integration and has seen notable progress, although significant untapped potential remains.
Pezeshkian welcomed the increasing resolve among ECO members to strengthen cooperation, citing the recent summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, as a reflection of this collective commitment. He mentioned the proposed ECO Vision 2035, which aims to chart a promising course for regional growth and partnership.
However, President Pezeshkian also cautioned about the risks posed by external interference in the region. He remarked on the historical context of foreign interventions, stating that:
“Some of the greatest foreign interventions in modern history have occurred in this region.”
He specifically referenced the ongoing occupation in Gaza, describing the recent atrocities as among the most horrific genocides and crimes against humanity in recent years. Pezeshkian asserted that the persistent ambitions of international powers to meddle in regional matters necessitate a collective response from ECO member states. This unity is essential to establish a coherent, stabilizing, and development-oriented regional security architecture that spans:
- Central Asia
- The Caucasus
- South Asia
- West Asia
- The Persian Gulf
In conclusion, the 4th Meeting of Interior Ministers of the ECO presents a crucial opportunity for member states to enhance collaboration in various sectors and address the pressing challenges facing the region. The dialogue initiated at this summit is expected to pave the way for future cooperation, promoting stability and development throughout the ECO member states.
As the event unfolds, the commitment to collective action and regional security remains at the forefront of the discussions, ensuring that the ECO continues to evolve as a platform for cooperation and integration.
