Iran's Full Membership in the SCO: A New Chapter of Regional Cooperation

Initiatives and Goals of the SCO: The SCO concentrates on a number of cooperative endeavours, such as regional security, economic growth, cultural exchanges, and counterterrorism initiatives. The organisation seeks to create mutual trust and understanding among its member nations while promoting peace, stability, and collaboration.

Economic Cooperation: The SCO's agenda must include economic cooperation. The organisation pushes its member governments to improve connectivity, trade and investment links, and infrastructure development. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) are two regional initiatives that are supported by the SCO.

connectedness between People and Cultural Exchanges: The SCO lays a lot of importance on connectedness between people and cultural exchanges. It encourages member nations to collaborate on tourism, educational exchanges, and cultural activities. These programmes support increased social cohesion, mutual understanding, and cultural variety in the area.

Cooperation in security and counterterrorism: The SCO's main goal is to promote cooperation in security and counterterrorism. In order to fight terrorism, separatism, and extremism, member nations work closely together. When it comes to coordinating information sharing and cooperative counterterrorism actions, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO is essential. The organisation also regularly conducts military drills to improve member state security cooperation.

Afghanistan Stabilisation Efforts: The SCO has been actively engaged in regional stabilisation efforts due to the continued difficulties in Afghanistan. The group works to promote a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan and promotes an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. To address the security situation in Afghanistan, the SCO offers a forum for discussion and collaboration among regional parties.

Conclusion: Iran's official admission to the SCO at the virtual summit hosted by India represents an important turning point for the group. The SCO's continued growth in both membership and power reflects its importance in both local and international affairs. The summit also emphasised Belarus' development in the direction of full membership. The SCO is essential in fostering peace, stability, and growth in the Eurasian area because to its emphasis on economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and counterterrorism initiatives.