Iran is considering joining the EAEU.

Iran is considering the possibility of joining the Eurasian Economic Union and also intends to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This was announced at a meeting with journalists that took place in Bishkek last Tuesday by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kyrgyz Republic, Ali Najafi Khoshroudi.

The beginning of 2016 marked the lifting of international and unilateral sanctions against the republic, as the IRI fulfilled all obligations to limit its nuclear program. Now that Iran has opened up to economic and financial interaction with the global community, Tehran is contemplating expanding trade relations with other countries, including those in the Eurasian Economic Union, among which is the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Ambassador of the IRI to the KR, Ali Najafi Khoshroudi, noted that Iran welcomes Kyrgyzstan's accession to the EAEU.
- We are confident that joining this important economic organization opens new opportunities for Kyrgyzstan in promoting trade and economic projects, as well as in creating new production capacities in the country, - the diplomat noted. - In turn, Iran has also begun negotiations regarding cooperation with the EAEU, and in the future, possibly joining the organization.

The lifting of sanctions against Iran has made it possible for the republic to join another international association - the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It should be noted that Tehran submitted an application for full membership in the organization back in 2008; however, UN sanctions prevented the attainment of this status. Nevertheless, since 2005, Iran has participated in the activities of the SCO as an observer state.

- Iran and the SCO can be complementary components to each other, - said Ali Najafi Khoshroudi. - I am confident that with the lifting of sanctions, great opportunities arise for expanding and developing regional cooperation within this organization. Moreover, many of the goals set by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are unattainable without Iran's participation. The development of transport infrastructure and trade relations in the region would be incomplete without Iran. In the fight against terrorism and extremism, Iran could share its experience and capabilities and bring success closer.

The ambassador added that many countries, including Russia, China, and Kyrgyzstan, welcome Iran's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It should be noted that Beijing officially supported Iran's application for membership in the SCO as a full member. The relevant statement was signed during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Iran after the lifting of sanctions. As of today, the SCO includes China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.