Iran has become a full-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a formidable bloc of Eurasian states that’s led by Moscow and Beijing.
Tehran’s accession to the SCO was formalized at a July 4 virtual summit hosted by SCO member India, which currently holds the organization’s rotating presidency.
While addressing participants, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi voiced hope that SCO membership would provide his country with a “platform for ensuring collective security” and an “opportunity for long-term economic development.”
“Lasting peace and stability is only possible when countries of the [Eurasian] region rely on common ideals arising from their culture and civilization,” he said….