Iran will host the summit of heads of state of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Tehran on December 3 and 4, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref announced, with executive preparations for the gathering already underway.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Aref said the summit would deliver valuable outcomes for ECO member states and contribute to the expansion of regional cooperation and interaction.

"The hosting of this summit will have valuable achievements for ECO member countries and will help develop cooperation and regional interactions," Aref said.

Emphasizing the importance of Iran hosting the regional event appropriately, the first vice president said planning and executive measures had begun and instructed all ministers and cabinet members to work with the committee responsible for organizing the summit.

"All ministers and members of the cabinet must provide the necessary cooperation with the organizing committee of the ECO heads of state summit," he said.

Aref added that coordination and participation among the responsible bodies must ensure conditions for a summit befitting the standing of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Economic Cooperation Organization is a ten-member regional body comprising Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Established in 1985 as the successor to the Regional Cooperation for Development organization, it is headquartered in Tehran and focuses on trade liberalization, transport and communications connectivity, energy cooperation and sustainable development among its members.