Iranian, Turkmen Leaders to Attend Shanghai Summit
Iranian, Turkmen Leaders to Attend Shanghai Summit
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Turkmenistan’s Gurbanguly Berdymuhammedov will both take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s summit in Bishkek on August 16, according to their respective foreign ministries.
The Turkmen president has been invited as an honorary guest, while Tehhran holds observer status in the SCO along with India, Pakistan and Mongolia. In April, Iran applied for full membership of the SCO.
Some analysts say having Iran as a member would be a hindrance to the SCO given the international crisis surrounding Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The “Shanghai Five” was established by China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan and Tajikistan in April 1996. After Uzbekistan joined in 2001, the group changed its name to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
The Turkmen president has been invited as an honorary guest, while Tehhran holds observer status in the SCO along with India, Pakistan and Mongolia. In April, Iran applied for full membership of the SCO.
Some analysts say having Iran as a member would be a hindrance to the SCO given the international crisis surrounding Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The “Shanghai Five” was established by China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan and Tajikistan in April 1996. After Uzbekistan joined in 2001, the group changed its name to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
