Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs chooses not to comment on speculation that Pakistan obstructed Yerevan's application to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization

YEREVAN, September 1. /ARКА/. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opted not to address the rumors suggesting that Pakistan has hindered Yerevan's efforts to become a member of the SCO.

"At this time, we will refrain from discussing the specifics of the process; however, I can affirm that we are observing a notably constructive attitude and mutual comprehension regarding Armenia's membership. With this understanding, we will persist in our collaboration with the interested member states of the SCO to further enhance our mutually advantageous partnership with the organization," stated spokesperson Ani Badalyan in response to an inquiry from Novosti-Armenia news agency.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed Armenia's aspiration to join the SCO back in July 2025.

The day prior, on August 31, during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jingping at the SCO summit, the Armenian Prime Minister reaffirmed Yerevan's willingness to join the Organization.

The Chinese leader expressed support for Armenia's ambition to deepen cooperation with the SCO and endorsed the republic's efforts to solidify its legal standing within the Organization.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established on June 15, 2001, by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. In addition to the founding nations of the SCO, the organization also includes India and Pakistan (since 2017), Iran (since 2023), and Belarus (since 2024). Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status.

Armenia, along with 12 other nations, is recognized as a "dialogue partner."-0-