YEREVAN, APRIL 16, ARMENPRES.  A memorandum of understanding was signed between Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian and Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Rashid Alimov on April 16 in Beijing at the SCO headquarters. By this, Armenia received status of Dialogue Partner within the SCO.

As “Armenpress” was informed by the Department of Press, Information and Public Relations of the MFA, Edward Nalbandian delivered a speech during the signing ceremony and stressed the importance of Armenia-SCO cooperation, noting that Armenia considers the organization as an important platform for dialogue.

Edward Nalbandian said that the signed document sets important directions of cooperation such as promoting regional security and stability, joint efforts against terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and the fight against transnational organized crime. The Minister added that the memorandum forms legal basis of cooperation between Armenia and SCO member states in trade and investment, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors.

The SCO Secretary General said that it is very joyous to include Armenia, a country of ancient history, in the SCO family.

The Armenian FM and the SCO Secretary General agreed that the establishment of the partnership will be a new milestone for the development of cooperation between Armenia and the SCO, as well as for prospects for further deepening of cooperation.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded in 2001 and includes six countries, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.