Armenia has expressed its desire to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This was stated in a publication by the Armenian Foreign Ministry on its Telegram channel.

“Armenia has expressed its desire to become a member of the SCO,” the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a publication. It was emphasized that the republic shares the basic principles of the organization. In particular the principles concerning territorial integrity, non-use of force, and inviolability of borders were mentioned.

On June 27, as part of a visit to China, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev. The Armenian Foreign Ministry reported that the interlocutors discussed issues of cooperation with the SCO, expressing mutual satisfaction with the established active dialogue and the results already recorded in the status of a partner country. Mirzoyan emphasized Armenia’s position on expanding its involvement within the organization.

In the summer of 2024 the national coordinator of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the SCO Secretariat, Mehrdad Kiai, reported that Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sri Lanka had submitted requests for observer status. He noted at the time that the organization was ready to consider and approve these applications.