Speaking about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Bakhtiyor Khakimov, the Russian President’s Special Representative to the SCO and a veteran diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted a noticeable uptick in applications from a range of countries seeking SCO membership. The surge reflects a broader pattern: as regional and global dynamics evolve, more states are looking to engage with a platform that blends security cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural dialogue. This observation came as part of a wider assessment of the organization’s evolving footprint on the world stage.
Khakimov emphasized that when a constructive framework takes root in international collaboration, it naturally begins to attract attention. The momentum behind the SCO’s growth is interpreted by Moscow as a sign that regional cooperation is gaining traction and deserves sustained attention from current members and aspirants alike. The diplomat underscored the idea that expanding the circle of engagement would strengthen the SCO’s ability to address contemporary challenges through collective mechanisms. This perspective was reported by TASS as part of comments on the organization’s trajectory.
Beyond the membership discussions, the official highlighted that strengthening the SCO’s institutional framework remains a central objective. The focus is not only on adding new members but also on deepening practical cooperation among existing participants in areas such as commerce, connectivity, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. The emphasis on robust dialogue and structured partnerships is aimed at ensuring that expansion translates into tangible benefits for all member states and partners.
In addition, Khakimov pointed to the ongoing process of formalizing dialogue partnership arrangements with several states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the Maldives, Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates. He indicated that these steps are approaching completion, marking a significant shift toward a broader regional network of cooperation. The diplomat also suggested that other countries have expressed interest in joining the organization, signaling a potential widening of the SCO’s geographic and strategic scope in the near term.
Belarusian officials have signaled a parallel track, with former Head of the Main Directorate for Asia, Africa and Latin America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating Minsk’s readiness to accelerate international legal procedures for Belarus to join the SCO as a full member. This readiness reflects Minsk’s intent to participate more fully in regional governance structures and to align its external policy with the SCO’s framework for collective security, economic collaboration, and regional connectivity.
Since its founding in 2001, the SCO has evolved into a central forum for dialogue among major Eurasian powers and adjacent economies. The current membership includes Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization’s expanding agenda encompasses regional security, energy cooperation, trade facilitation, and cultural exchanges, aiming to create a more integrated and resilient space across Eurasia. Observers and potential partners watch closely as the SCO balances strategic interests among diverse members while exploring future expansion that could alter regional dynamics (Source: TASS).