PNN – The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which was established with the aim of strengthening political, economic and security cooperation among member countries, has become one of the most important regional institutions in recent years. And due to the active presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this organization and the increase in the capacity to expand multilateral cooperation among the members, it has been able to play a significant role in reducing the need of the member countries for other international institutions.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, the 23rd meeting of the heads of state of the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, hosted by the government of Pakistan, will be opened today in Islamabad. Seyyed Mohammad Atabek, Minister of Industry, Trade and Mining of our country, will head the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this meeting.
In recent decades, the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have faced challenges in the fields of security, economy and energy, many of which have required international cooperation to manage. But by strengthening internal cooperation, this organization can become an effective alternative to meet the strategic needs of member countries. From defense and security cooperation to economic and energy exchanges, the SCO can play an important role in reducing dependence on international institutions and empowering member countries to face regional and global challenges.
From this point of view, the expansion of multilateral cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will not only strengthen the economic and security independence of the members, but can also increase the role of this organization as an influential actor in the world order.
Strengthening economic integration
One of the important achievements of the Shanghai Organization, which was formed by relying on the cooperation between the members, is the development of economic cooperation. This organization has been able to improve economic relations between members by forming frameworks for free trade, joint investment and implementation of infrastructure projects. The expansion of mutual cooperation in joint infrastructure projects in the fields of transportation, energy and information technology has been able to greatly reduce the need of member countries for financial and technical support from other international institutions such as the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund, as well as European and American countries.
China and Russia, as two major world powers in the Shanghai Organization, have been able to play an important role in this field. The economic cooperation between these two with the countries of Central Asia as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran has led to the creation of a powerful economic network within the organization. This cooperation have not only helped the internal development of the member countries, but also significantly reduced their dependence on markets and other international institutions.
Regional security and defense cooperation
The Shanghai Organization also plays a role as a security and defense institution in reducing the dependence of member countries on other international security organizations.
Joint exercises have also helped to strengthen military capabilities and defense coordination among the members of this organization. These cooperations can help member countries to strengthen their regional security without the need for the intervention or support of international organizations.
Cultural and diplomatic cooperation
Another important area in which the Shanghai Organization has been able to play an effective role is the strengthening of cultural and diplomatic relations between members. By creating platforms for cultural, educational and scientific exchange, the Shanghai Organization has strengthened social and cultural cooperation among its members, which has greatly contributed to the closeness of most member nations and governments.
In addition, multilateral diplomacy through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has enabled member states to present their common positions in international institutions such as the United Nations or the Group of 20. This diplomatic coordination can help strengthen the role and position of the members of the organization at the international level and make them more capable in global negotiations.
Energy and sustainable development
The energy sector is also one of the key areas of cooperation between the members and has the capacity to draw more attention to it. Many member countries of the Shanghai Organization, including Iran, are large energy producers. By cooperating in this field, these countries can reduce their need for international markets and exchange energy within the organization.
Sustainable development and environmental protection is another important area of ​​cooperation; Cooperation in environmental fields, renewable energy and sustainable economic development can help member countries to achieve sustainable development goals without the need for extensive foreign support.
Islamic Republic of Iran along with 9 other countries including Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus are permanent members of this organization.
During the 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in New Delhi, Iran was officially accepted and introduced as the ninth main member of this important regional organization.