Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approved a motion to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, despite U.S. security concerns.
Saudi Arabia has approved a memorandum on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) admitting the kingdom as a dialogue partner, according to the state news agency SPA.
China, India, and Russia are among the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a political and security union encompassing the majority of Eurasia.
India and Pakistan have been asked to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which was founded in 2001 as a counterweight to Western dominance in the region by Russia, China, and the post-Soviet governments of Central Asia.
In addition, Iran completed its membership application last year.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his Saudi counterpart in December to discuss China’s potential membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
They want to give the kingdom conversation partner status inside the organization in the near future, and full membership in the longer term.
Saudi Aramco said on Tuesday that it would increase its multibillion-dollar investment in China by finalizing a planned joint venture in northeast China and acquiring a stake in a privately managed petrochemical company.
Washington, Riyadh’s traditional ally, is concerned for the safety of its nationals as a result of the kingdom’s growing ties with China. According to Washington, the U.S. approach toward the Middle East will not change despite China’s attempts to enhance its worldwide influence.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations have made attempts to diversify their ties in response to the United States perceived retreat from the region. The United States has committed to retaining its position as an active regional partner.
A “counter-terrorism drill” involving member nations is slated for August in the Russian region of Chelyabinsk.
