Saudi Arabia becomes Shanghai Cooperation Organization dialogue partner

The Saudi Arabian government has taken a significant step towards joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional alliance dominated by China and Russia. During a cabinet meeting presided over by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, a memorandum was approved to initiate dialogue with the SCO. The decision to pursue membership was reportedly raised during a visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese President Xi Jinping in December of last year.

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According to sources, the decision to pursue dialogue partner status with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is seen as the first step towards eventual full membership for Saudi Arabia. This decision was made after Saudi Aramco’s announcement of increased investment in China, including a joint venture in northeast China and acquiring a stake in a privately owned petrochemical group. The growing relationship between Riyadh and Beijing has caused concern in Washington, which sees Chinese influence as a threat to U.S. interests. However, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have expressed worries about the United States’ perceived disengagement from the region and are seeking to expand their partnerships. The U.S. has stated its intention to remain an active player in the Middle East despite these concerns.

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