Astana, Jul 4 (EFE).- Belarus became the tenth full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday.
The leaders of the SCO countries signed the document regarding Belarus’s accession at the start of their 24th summit, held in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana.
“Belarus has completed the necessary procedures to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as he opened the summit.
Belarus’ Shanghai Cooperation Organization membership made official
Following the announcement, the SCO leaders signed the document confirming Belarus as their tenth member.
The SCO, established in 2001, now comprises Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The previous country to become a full SCO member was Iran, whose membership was approved last July.
“Through our joint efforts, strengthening the Shanghai spirit and promoting its principles, we have turned the SCO into one of the most influential and prestigious structures,” said the Kazakh president in his opening remarks.
According to Tokayev, the fruitful interaction among SCO countries “sets the development direction for the entire Eurasian continent.”
“In nearly a quarter of a century, our organization has become an important mechanism in the system of international relations, significantly contributing to ensuring stable growth and general progress,” added the president. EFE