Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization.
It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organization aiming to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.
It was created in 2001.
The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and entered into force in 2003.
Headquarters: Beijing, China
SCO Members
Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan(8)
Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five
India and Pakistan became members in 2017
On 17th September, 2021, it was announced that Iran would become a full member of the SCO
There are 3 Observer States interested in acceding to full membership: Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia
There are 6 Dialogue Partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey.
SCO - Objectives
Strengthening mutual trust and neighborliness among the member states.
Promoting effective cooperation in -politics, trade & economy, research & technology and culture.
Enhancing ties in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc.
Maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region.
Establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international political & economic order.
SCO - Structure
Heads of State Council – The supreme SCO body which decides its internal functioning and its interaction with other States & international organisations, and considers international issues.
Heads of Government Council – Approves the budget, considers and decides upon issues related to economic spheres of interaction within SCO.
Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs – Considers issues related to day-to-day activities.
Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) – Established to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism.
SCO summit 2023
The 2023 SCO summit is hosted by India virtually.
Iran formally become a full member of SCO.
The grouping’s decision to induct Iran as its ninth and latest member was one of a number of agreements signed at the summit.
The agreements signed include
The New Delhi Declaration, outlining areas of cooperation between SCO countries.
A joint statement on countering radicalisation.
On digital transformation, where India offered to share expertise on digital payment interfaces.
In a reference to sanctions on Russia and Iran, SCO members jointly criticised non-UN sanctions as “incompatible with the principles of international law”, which have a “negative impact” on other countries.
SCO members also agreed to explore the use of “national currencies” for payments within the grouping, which would circumvent international dollar-based payments.
India opposes the BRI over its inclusion of projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
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