SCO members call for further expansion of energy ties

TEHRAN – Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) stressed the need for closer cooperation in the areas of energy production, transmission and consumption.

The 4th meeting of SCO energy ministers was convened on Friday in Astana, Kazakhstan, with the participation of Iranian Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian.

On the sidelines of the international event, Mehrabian said that member states signed a cooperation document today.

The document is unique because some of its members are among the largest energy producers, he said, adding that some are among the largest energy consumers.

In addition to discussing energy production, transmission and consumption, the document covers the production of hydrocarbon energy, electricity, renewable energy and nuclear energy, the official added.

Iran is considered one of the largest possessors of hydrocarbon resources and is also a leading member of the region and Shanghai in the sphere of electricity, Mehrabian said.

The minister added that specific steps have been taken in the area of ​​renewable energy.

The China-based SCO is an intergovernmental Eurasian organization established to promote multilateral security and economic and political cooperation.

The SCO officially approved Iran’s full membership in the world’s largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population.

The SCO is the world’s largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population, covering approximately 80 percent of Eurasia and 40 percent of the world’s population. As of 2021, its combined GDP was approximately 20 percent of global GDP.

The SCO is the successor to the Shanghai Five established in 1996 between the People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.(6) In June 2001, the leaders of these nations and Uzbekistan met in Shanghai to proclaim the new organization for deeper political cooperation and economic. In June 2017, it expanded to eight states, including India and Pakistan. Iran joined the group in July 2023. Several countries participate as observers or dialogue partners.

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