UNODC Representative Visits ECO Secretariat

The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Iran, Mr. Alexander Fedulov visited the Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on December 7, 2022. During his meeting with the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, the issues, ideas and scope of common interest were explored and discussed.

While acknowledging the importance of ECO-UNODC links, Ambassador Noziri briefed the visiting dignitary on activities of the ECO to address the problems emanating from illicit drugs and organized crimes in the region. He stressed the need for enhancing the existing level of ECO-UNODC cooperation, encouraging the joint events to be organized for mutual exploration of the ways and means that could be potentially effective to counter some identical challenges. In addition, while referring to the ECO Observer Status at the UN General Assembly, the Secretary General recalled the UN resolution on ECO-UN cooperation, expecting the next to be adopted in 2023.

The two sides also underscored the significance of their joint efforts and actions on anti-corruption matters, as well as realized the relevance of the ECO Regional Centre for Cooperation among the Anti-corruption Agencies and Ombudsmen (RCCACO) to overcoming any such issues and practices in the region.

UNODC County Representative summarized the next stage status of UNODC Country Programme for Iran to be started in 2023, as well as the range of their activities in the country.

The two sides appeared ready and receptive to organizing a meeting between ECO and UNODC focal points with a view to facilitating detailed discussions in connection with their joint events and activities.