TEHRAN - Iran's Majlis (parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani stressed the importance of promoting closer cooperation among the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) states, Press TV reported on Sunday.

"Under the current circumstances when political and regional equations are changing rapidly, close cooperation among regional countries, including ECO member states, can be effective in maintaining the national interests of countries and their all-out development and progress," Larijani was quoted as saying.

The Islamic republic's strategy has always been based on bolstering amicable relations with neighboring countries in various fields, he said, adding that the Majlis supports the facilitation of investment and close cooperation among ECO member states and Iran's neighboring countries.

The Iranian Majlis speaker emphasized that making use of the investment potential in ECO states will lead to their economic growth.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation among ECO states in bringing about economic development.

The ECO is an intergovernmental regional organization established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey with the aim of promoting economic, technical and cultural cooperation among the member states. Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan later joined the organization.