THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION

There are significant organizations that determine the balance of economic and political power worldwide.

One of these organizations, primarily composed of Asian countries, is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is growing in influence as a new power center.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established in 1996 under the name "Shanghai Five" by the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. Its goals were to increase trust among member countries, demilitarize border regions, and promote regional cooperation.

Through subsequent meetings and summits, India and Pakistan were accepted as full members in 2017.

Therefore, the current SCO members are the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, and, most recently, Iran.

Additionally, there are countries that, although not members of the SCO, maintain relations with the organization as dialogue partners or observers.

Belarus, Mongolia, and Afghanistan are observer countries, while Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Armenia, Cambodia, Kuwait, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are dialogue partners.

Belarus, which aligns with Russia, is also expected to become a full member.

TÜRKIYE AND THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION

In 2012, Türkiye signed a Dialogue Partner agreement with the SCO, which was ratified in 2017, thereby maintaining a unique relationship with the organization.

With this Dialogue Partner status, it is expected that Türkiye and the SCO will enhance cooperation in regional security, counter-terrorism, organized crime prevention, and economic and cultural fields.

For Türkiye, it is crucial to continue its relationships with significant organizations, formations, and initiatives that are prominent in economic and political power balance in its region.