BEIJING, March 6. /TASS/. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states do not seek to turn the organization into a military-political bloc, says Russian Ambassador at Large, Special Presidential Envoy for SCO affairs Bakhtiyer Khakimov told Russian reporters after his visit to Beijing.

"We do not oppose anyone. The SCO Development Strategy for 2025, adopted in Ufa in 2015, clearly states that the SCO is not a military-political bloc and does not intend to become an economic integrational association with establishment of supra-national bodies. We advocate potential of each country to be used in common interests, but with consideration of specifics and interest of each individual participant," Khakimov underscored.

He noted that more and more countries have stated their readiness to begin their cooperation with the SCO and to join the organization in the recent years.

"The organization’s potential and capabilities are indeed significant. Hence the aspiration of many states to take part in the joint work in one form or another," the diplomat pointed out.

"The [SCO] Charter stipulates that the SCO is open for all interested states and is not aimed against thirds countries. The organization’s philosophy is creative, constructive, aimed at mutual understanding, cooperation, at finding joint solutions in the interest of each member. We base our work on principles of indivisible security and equality in cooperation," he pointed out.

The SCO is an international organization, established in 2001. Currently, its members are: Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Four more states - Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia - act as observers. In addition, nine more countries have dialogue partner status: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Sri Lanka.

During the September 15-16 SCO summit in Samarkand; the leaders signed a memorandum on Iran’s obligations for joining the SCO. The summit also started the process of clearance of Belarus’ membership in the organization. In addition, a decision was made during the summit in Samarkand to provide dialogue partner status to Bahrain, Kuwait, the Maldives, Myanmar and the UAE.