Tehran – The head of Iran's Plant Protection Organization has reported notable progress in preparing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) main plant protection event, urging closer plant health collaboration among member states.

 

Maryam Jalili Moghaddam stated that a specialized webinar reviewing preparations for the 2026 SCO event examined the status of ongoing programs, assessed member states' participation levels, and established a timeline for future consultations.

 

She confirmed that the preparatory schedule leading up to the main event has been finalized, with additional consultations to continue via videoconference.

 

Describing quarantine and plant health cooperation as a cornerstone of SCO trade relations, Jalili Moghaddam said that strengthening these ties would enhance mutual trust and help lower non-tariff barriers to agricultural trade.

 

She also announced that the third meeting of SCO member states' plant quarantine ministers and authorities will take place on April 16, 2026, in Bishkek. The theme of the meeting is "Partnership in Quarantine and Plant Health as a Driver of Trade Relations."

 

According to the Iranian official, discussions at the meeting will focus on the current state of quarantine cooperation, identifying common challenges, improving plant health security, and reinforcing trade facilitation mechanisms.

 

She emphasized that standardizing procedures and developing shared technical platforms through coordination among member states is essential for safer agricultural trade.

 

As an active SCO member, Iran has formulated a clear strategy to expand scientific cooperation, information exchange, operational capacity, and protective mechanisms. By strengthening its technical and expert capabilities, Jalili Moghaddam concluded, Iran aims to play a constructive role in advancing regional cooperation.