The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran signed a memorandum of commitments for Iran's permanent membership in the organization on Wednesday night during a meeting with the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Iran PressAsia: Iran signed a memorandum of commitment Wednesday for its permanent membership in the powerful regional grouping the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced in a Twitter post late Wednesday that he signed the document for his country’s full membership in the organization ahead of the SCO summit in Uzbekistan, which begins Thursday.

"Now we have entered a new stage of various economic, commercial, transit, energy, etc. cooperation," the top Iranian diplomat wrote.

After signing this memo, Amir Abdollahian made a statement pointing out that the documents related to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization were approved by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and are sent to the parliament for review. 

He added, "We hope to witness the full membership of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as soon as possible."

Also, after signing this memorandum, the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization emphasized that today is a decisive day for Iran and this organization, adding that "The members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have a very positive view of Iran and acknowledge that after Iran's entry, we will witness the organization's special and excellent position."

Since its formation in 2001, the SCO has admitted new members only once before, when India and Pakistan’s applications were approved at the 2015 summit. The two countries went on to sign memoranda of obligations at the 2016 summit and be admitted as full members at the 2017 summit. 219

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