The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is expanding its membership. The Islamic Republic of Iran has joined the SCO as a full member, and the Republic of Belarus is expected to join in the next year, Turanews.kz reports.
The SCO is a regional security bloc that was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization’s goal is to promote cooperation in security, economic, and cultural areas.
The expansion of the SCO is a sign of the growing international authority and influence of the organization. It also reflects the increasing cooperation between China and Russia in Central Asia.
The SCO’s expansion is likely to have a significant impact on the security landscape in Central Asia. The organization’s members have a shared interest in combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The SCO’s cooperation in these areas is likely to help to improve security in the region.
The SCO’s expansion is also likely to have a positive impact on the economy of Central Asia. The organization’s members have a combined population of over 1.5 billion people and a GDP of over $20 trillion. The SCO’s cooperation in trade and investment is likely to boost economic growth in the region.
The expansion of the SCO is a positive development for the region. The organization’s growing membership and influence are likely to help to promote peace, security, and prosperity in Central Asia.
In addition to the expansion of its membership, the SCO is also taking steps to strengthen its cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The organization has invited representatives from observer countries to participate in the work of the SCO’s Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. This is an important step in the SCO’s efforts to combat the forces of three evils.
The SCO is a valuable regional security organization that is playing an increasingly important role in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in Central Asia. The expansion of the SCO’s membership and the strengthening of its cooperation in the fight against terrorism are positive developments that are likely to benefit the region.