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Maldives plans to work closely with SCO member countries — ambassador to India

It is noted that the Maldives’ commitment is to be an active and responsible Dialogue Partner of the organization, which embraces the pursuit of common development

NEW DELHI, July 4. /TASS/. The Republic of Maldives plans to work closely with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its member countries, High Commissioner of Maldives to India Ibrahim Shaheeb told TASS on Tuesday, after the archipelago state was granted the status of SCO dialogue partner.

"The Maldives’ commitment is to be an active and responsible Dialogue Partner of the organization, which embraces the values of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of common development," he said. "The Maldives will continue to work closely with the SCO and its member states on a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, health, environment, climate change, science and technology."

The ambassador said that the officially designation of the Maldives as a dialogue partner would also be a step forward in the government's strategy to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties in Asia.

All SCO member states took part in the summit, and Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia were invited as observers. Turkmenistan participated as a guest. The summit was also attended by the heads of the SCO Secretariat and the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Agency. Also, the heads of six international and regional organizations were invited: UN, ASEAN, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, and CICA.

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