Oriented on making people closer

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is actively expanding its influence, currently reviewing applications for membership and status changes from 19 countries. SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev announced the development.

In an interview with the newspaper "Izvestia," Yermekbayev clarified that countries are seeking member, partner or observer status. He stated that this reflects the organization's growing appeal and its alignment with the interests of many nations worldwide. The "SCO community" currently comprises 27 states, underscoring the significance of these new applications.

These applications emerged following a recent SCO summit held in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. The event gathered leaders from more than 20 countries and representatives from 10 international organizations.

Following the Tianjin summit, 15 cooperation documents were signed, aimed at further deepening collaboration among SCO member states.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a permanent intergovernmental international organization founded on June 15, 2001. It evolved from the "Shanghai Five," established in 1996. The organization's primary goals include strengthening trust and good-neighborliness among its member states, as well as developing cooperation in political, economic, trade and cultural spheres.

Photo: Сергей Бобылев / Sputnik / Reuters