Tehran, Iran, January 18
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Following the sign of the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 group, the Islamic Republic sees opportunities to widen its relationship with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Iran and the P5+1 group implemented a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Jan.16, which eliminated sanctions on the country, including the restrictions over banking sector, releasing blocked assets abroad, etc.
Hossein Jaber Ansari, the spokesman of Iran's Foreign Ministry, said during the press conference that Iran eyes membership in the SCO, Trend's correspondent in Tehran reported from the event.
Currently, Iran has an observer status in the SCO, along with Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Mongolia and Pakistan. China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are SCO's full members. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey are dialogue partners.
Previously, Iranian President Hassan Rouhan said in a meeting with Kyrgyzstan President Almazbek Atambayev in September 2015 that Iran eyes full membership in SCO since it entails mutual benefits.