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Iran’s full membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization ‘very useful decision’: Russian envoy

Thursday, 23 September 2021 7:00 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 24 September 2021 5:11 AM ]

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) formally accepted Iran as the new member of the Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance at its 21st summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17, 2021.

A Russian diplomat has praised Iran’s full membership at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a “very useful decision,” saying members of the Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance share the same opinion.

“In light of statements and pledges made by previous Iranian administration and remarks by Iran's new president, Ebrahim Raeisi, about the country’s preparedness to render all its capabilities and assist SCO, there are ample reasons to believe Iran’s accession will be very useful,” Russia's special presidential envoy for SCO affairs, Bekhtiyer Khakimov, told an online briefing on Thursday.

He added, “The SCO member states made the decision on Iran’s full membership following analysis of a wide array of factors. Therefore, we see eye to eye with our partners.”

Iran permanent membership in SCO diplomatic achievement: President Raeisi

President Raeisi says the approval of Iran’s permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was a diplomatic achievement.

Khakimov said Russia believes Iran's SCO membership can effectively contribute to the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, and contribute to the establishment of stability and security in the region.

“One one hand, Iran is an active party to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and a member of the International North–South Transport Corridor on the other. Its well-developed transport infrastructure will enormously contribute to transport security. Iran is prepared to help ensure food and nutrition security as well,” the Russian diplomat said.

Raeisi has described the approval of Iran’s permanent membership in the SCO as a “diplomatic achievement,” calling on the Iranian Foreign Ministry and other relevant ministries to take this new opportunity to connect to major Asian economic resources.

Shanghai alliance SCO grants Iran full membership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has formally accepted Iran as the new member of the Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance at its 21st summit in Dushanbe.

"Iran's permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which took place at the Tajikistan summit, was a diplomatic success,” he said on Saturday upon returning from a three-day visit to Tajikistan, where he attended the 21st SCO summit.

On September 17, the SCO approved documents for Iran's full membership at the SCO at its 21st summit in Tajikistan’s capital of Dushanbe.

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