The mayor of Shiraz, Iran, has called on SCO regions to strengthen practical cooperation

Mohammad Hassan Asadi, Mayor of the Iranian city of Shiraz, stated at the 5th Forum of Heads of Regions and the meeting of twin cities of SCO member states that there is a need to strengthen practical cooperation between the regions, municipalities and industrial zones of the organisation’s member states.

Speaking at the forum, he noted that this year the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its establishment. According to him, during this time the SCO has become one of the largest regional organisations in the world.

“The Shanghai Spirit, based on mutual trust and shared development, is not merely a slogan, but a living and practical reality,” Asadi stated.

He emphasised that in recent years the organisation has focused on project-based cooperation, trade development, investment ties and long-term regional development. At the same time, he said, it is the regions and cities that play the key role.

“In reality, development ultimately takes place in cities and provinces, in industrial zones,” noted the mayor of Shiraz.

According to him, Iranian cities are ready to participate more actively in the implementation of joint initiatives. Shiraz itself, as Asadi noted, is focusing on preserving cultural heritage and using it as a tool for economic development.

“We are trying to show how urban regeneration centred on cultural heritage can become a driver of economic activity, tourism, entrepreneurship and social cohesion,” he said.

The mayor also noted that regional cities in SCO member states possess valuable experience in the fields of urban development, innovation and the preservation of historical heritage, which can be utilised to expand cooperation between the organisation’s member states.

Concluding his speech, Asadi stated that he was addressing the forum participants “with a heavy heart”, referring to the human suffering caused, in his words, by “an imposed war”.

The 5th Forum of Heads of Regions of SCO Member States is taking place on 28 May in Cholpon-Ata. Representatives of regions, cities and free economic zones from the organisation’s member states are participating in the event.