Iran, Belarus Discuss Mutual Cooperation Within BRICS, SCO
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri and Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik engaged in discussions on Thursday regarding their countries' mutual support within international organizations, including BRICS and the SCO, according to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.
"[Aleinik and Bagheri] exchanged views on urgent issues on the regional and international agenda. They paid special attention to cooperation and mutual support within the framework of international organizations, including the SCO and BRICS," Sputnik reported, citing a statement by the Belarusian foreign ministry.
The two sides also explored the potential for the development of Belarusian-Iranian relations and outlined plans for bilateral events.
During BRICS' annual top-level summit held in Johannesburg in July, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, and Egypt were invited to join the group. Belarus officially applied for membership in the group in May.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization currently consisting of nine member states: China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It also has three observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia.
Additionally, 14 dialogue partners, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, are associated with the organization. In July, the members signed a memorandum outlining Minsk's obligations for accession to the bloc, with official membership expected in 2024.