Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh arrived in Qingdao on Wednesday to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting, signaling deepening regional security collaboration. The two-day event, hosted in east China's Shandong Province, brings together defense leaders from Eurasian nations to address shared challenges and strengthen multilateral ties.
The SCO, a pivotal platform for political and security dialogue in Asia, has expanded its influence since Iran joined as a full member in 2023. Analysts note the meeting underscores Tehran's growing engagement with Asian-led institutions amid shifting global dynamics.
"This gathering reinforces our collective commitment to stability," Nasirzadeh stated upon arrival, according to updates from Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account linked to China Media Group.
Qingdao, a strategic port city, previously hosted the 2018 SCO Summit, highlighting its role in China's diplomatic outreach. The timing of the meeting coincides with increased economic connectivity initiatives across Central and South Asia.
