Putin and Mokhber discuss SCO cooperation

During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in talks with Mohammad Mokhber, the interim president of Iran. The primary focus of their discussions revolved around negotiating a comprehensive cooperation agreement to strengthen the bilateral ties between their respective countries.

The SCO, established in 2001, comprises nine full member countries, including China, India, Iran, Russia, and various Central Asian states. This alliance aims to bolster cooperation in both security and economics, providing an alternative platform to those dominated by Western powers.

Notably, Belarus is poised to become the 10th full member of the SCO, underscoring the organization's expanding influence on the global stage. With a significant portion of the world's population and GDP represented within its membership, the SCO focuses on fostering economic relationships among its members and executing large-scale projects to facilitate connectivity between China and Europe through Central Asia.

Geopolitical issues, such as the evolving situation in Afghanistan post the Taliban's resurgence, were also addressed during the summit. While the SCO has yet to formally recognize the Taliban government, countries like China and Kazakhstan have initiated engagements with the new leadership.

Given the escalating strategic significance of the region due to Russia's actions in Ukraine, major global powers are increasingly vying for influence in Central Asia. The SCO serves as a crucial platform for facilitating dialogue and collaboration among diverse nations, even those with territorial disputes and conflicting economic interests.

As the summit underscores the pivotal role of the SCO in shaping regional dynamics, it also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities arising from the evolving geopolitical landscape in Eurasia.