TEHRAN – Iran can play a significant role in economic development of ECO countries given the prospect of its economic status, Secretary General of Economic Cooperation Organization Khurshid Anwar told ISNA on Sunday.

“Iran, one of ECO’s founders, has been an active member in various sittings and we offer our appreciation for her part in November 1 conference held in Tehran,” Anvar stated, adding that the riches of the country such as natural gas is in high demand from Europe to China.

Referring to collaboration with Shanghai Cooperation Organization, he commented that both organizations have many goals in common and the benefit to be gained from this association “should benefit all the members.” The subject, he said, will be taken up in upcoming months and tangible headways are expected to come by.

Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are the member states at Economic Cooperation Organization. ML/MA END MNA