Tehran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has engaged in discussions with his Russian, Pakistani, Tajik, Uzbek, and Kazakh counterparts on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek. Araghchi's diplomatic engagements were part of the ongoing 26th summit of the SCO member states, hosted in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, which holds the rotating presidency for the year 2026.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi met with Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Foreign Minister. The discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, as well as regional and international issues. These bilateral meetings are seen as crucial in strengthening ties and addressing shared challenges among the participating nations.

In addition to the bilateral meetings, Araghchi participated in a group conversation with the foreign ministers of Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. This collective dialogue on the margins of the SCO summit underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation under the SCO framework, aiming to promote peace, security, and economic development in the region.

Araghchi's presence at the summit, alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian, marks a significant engagement for Iran in the regional organization, reflecting its commitment to active participation in regional diplomacy and multilateral forums. The summit provides an opportunity for member states to discuss strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives to tackle pressing regional issues.