Iran to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Iran took a step toward joining in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at a summit in Uzbekistan this week.
Iran is getting closer to joining China and Russia in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Reuters reported Thursday that at a summit in Uzbekistan this week, Iran signed a memorandum of obligations to join the group as a permanent member — an upgrade from its observer status.
What it means: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization works to strengthen security and trade cooperation in Eurasia. China, Russia, India, Pakistan and several former Soviet states in Central Asia are members. Turkey is also a dialogue partner of the alliance.
Iran has tried to join the organization for some time. Last year, it accepted Iran’s application for membership. Iran has also been working to increase trade with the group's member states.
