Mashhad: Iran's foreign minister has called for efforts to further strengthen the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and expand economic cooperation between member states. Speaking at the 28th Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers (COM) in Mashhad on Tuesday, Abbas Araghchi emphasized the importance of utilizing the meeting as a platform to exchange views on enhancing cooperation and addressing the latest developments within the organization. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran has held the rotating presidency of ECO for the past year, with a concentrated focus on advancing the organization's key objectives. Araghchi highlighted Iran's commitment to fostering consensus and progress among the people of the region and ECO member states. He also expressed optimism that foreign officials attending the summit would recognize the economic, commercial, tourism, agricultural, and regional potential of Khorasan Razavi province during their visit to Mashhad. Araghchi further noted that the meeting provides an opportunity to discuss both regional and global developments. He drew attention to the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, attributing these acts to the Zionist regime. Additionally, he pointed out recent activities of Takfiri groups, allegedly backed by the United States and the Zionist regime, stressing the need for regional vigilance and a prompt, effective response from the international community.