Dmitry Mezentsev: SCO gets stronger and more attractive

Dmitry Mezentsev: SCO gets stronger and more attractive

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is becoming stronger and more attractive, SCO Secretary-General Dmitry Mezentsev said at the SCO Press Club Meeting.

Several meetings with high-ranking diplomats accredited in Beijing (China) from countries showing interest in the organisation's activity have been held since the Dushanbe Summit, Mr. Mezentsev said. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic has filed an application to "acquire certain status" in the SCO, he added.

"We have reason to speak about the expansion of the SCO," Dmitry Mezentsev went on. "In his speech in Dushanbe, the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed his country's bid for full-fledged SCO membership." According to the SCO Secretary-General, Pakistan and Iran have also confirmed membership bids.

The SCO Press Club, established under the auspices of the Beijing-based SCO Secretariat, comprises journalists from the SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners.