TASHKENT, November 9. /TASS/. Developing nations and regional economic associations should form the basis of a new world order, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told the summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) currently underway in Tashkent.

"Developing countries are capable more than ever to play a role in forming the foundation of a new world order. To this end, an efficient network of regional and multilateral economic cooperation should be established between these countries," the Iranian leader said.

Raisi praised the ECO mechanisms which he said had "an indisputable potential" that can be used to implement joint projects in the Middle East and Central Asia. In this light, the Iranian president noted the significance of Tehran joining BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). According to him, the Islamic Republic is seeking to play a more active role in regional mechanisms, including to strengthen the security of its neighbors.

The ECO is a regional economic intergovernmental organization that includes Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. Its secretariat is headquartered in Tehran.