Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has proposed establishing a “CIS+1” format to strengthen cooperation between Tehran and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Pezeshkian made the proposal while speaking at the CIS summit in Turkmenistan, according to Report.

“A ‘CIS + Iran’ or ‘CIS+1’ format should be established as a flexible and effective mechanism for dialogue and cooperation,” he said.

Pezeshkian also stressed that countries in the strategically important region should become key players in shaping a multipolar world.

“Instead of division, we want connection; instead of exhausting rivalry, cooperation; instead of unilateral dependence, interdependence; and instead of security based on threats, security based on trust and shared interests,” he said.