Saudi Arabia's cabinet approves joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner

Tags: International News

On March 29, 2023, Saudi Arabia agreed to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner. The cabinet approved the decision in a meeting chaired by King Salman bin Abdul Aziz.

An Overview of the News

• As a dialogue partner, Saudi Arabia will participate in SCO meetings and activities, but will not be a full member of the organisation. This status allows increased cooperation between Saudi Arabia and SCO members on issues such as security, economic development and cultural exchange.

• The decision to join the SCO has been taken by Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil exports. The country has announced several initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and attracting foreign investment, including its Vision 2030 plan.

• King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been a strong advocate of increasing Saudi Arabia's relations with other countries. During his reign, he has worked to strengthen ties with countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa, with a focus on promoting economic development and cultural exchange.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

• It is a regional intergovernmental organisation established in 2001.

• The organisation consists of eight member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.

• The primary objective of the SCO is to promote regional cooperation among its members in various fields such as security, economy, culture and education.

• The main objective of the SCO is to enhance regional security through joint efforts to combat terrorism, separatism, extremism, drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.

• The SCO holds annual summits and meetings of heads of state, as well as regular meetings of its various working groups and committees.