In all, the bloc now brings together 26 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, including observer states Mongolia and Afghanistan and 14 dialogue partners: Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Myanmar, the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates.
Myanmar and Turkey are among nations seeking full membership.
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Xi Jinping urges SCO summit members’ cooperation and the setting up of a development bank
Xi Jinping urges SCO summit members’ cooperation and the setting up of a development bank
Here is how the bloc has evolved from a small consultative group of five states focused on regional border security – known as the “Shanghai Five” – into a comprehensive Eurasian organisation addressing not only security but also economic, trade and diplomatic challenges.
1996: The “Shanghai Five” bloc is set up after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with China, Russia and three newly independent Central Asian states: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
2001: The “Shanghai Five” is renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in June 2001, after Uzbekistan joins the grouping.
2002: SCO Charter is signed at the St Petersburg summit and takes effect in September 2003. It is a fundamental constituent document stipulating the goals, principles, structure and major areas of activities of the organisation.
2003: SCO member states sign a 20-year programme of multilateral trade and economic cooperation, including the establishment of a free-trade zone.
