Saudi Arabia Joins the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Implications for Regional Alliances and Foreign Policy
On March 29, 2023, the Saudi Cabinet officially approved the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This move marks a significant milestone for the country's foreign policy and regional alliances.
The SCO is a political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization's main objectives are to promote regional cooperation, combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and enhance economic and cultural ties among its member states. Since its establishment, the SCO has grown to become one of the world's largest regional organizations, with observer states and dialogue partners from all continents.
The decision to join the SCO has been under consideration by the Saudi government for several years. The Kingdom's interest in the organization grew significantly following the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China's massive infrastructure project aimed at connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of roads, railways, and ports. The BRI has become a major source of investment and economic growth for countries across the region, and Saudi Arabia has actively sought to participate in it.
The accession to the SCO will enable Saudi Arabia to strengthen its cooperation with China, Russia, and other member states in areas such as trade, investment, and energy. It will also provide the Kingdom with a platform to expand its regional influence and contribute to the organization's efforts to promote security and stability in the region.
One of the key benefits of joining the SCO is the potential for increased economic cooperation. Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East and one of the world's top oil producers. China, Russia, and other member states have expressed interest in investing in Saudi Arabia's energy sector and expanding trade ties with the country. By joining the SCO, Saudi Arabia will be able to access new markets and diversify its economy beyond oil.
Another important aspect of the SCO's work is its focus on counter-terrorism and regional security. The Middle East has been plagued by conflicts and instability for many years, and Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of efforts to combat terrorism and extremist ideologies. The SCO's emphasis on cooperation and coordination among member states in this area aligns with the Kingdom's priorities, and membership in the organization will provide new opportunities for collaboration.
The accession to the SCO also has implications for Saudi Arabia's relationships with other regional and global powers. The Kingdom has traditionally been closely aligned with the United States and other Western powers, but its increasing ties with China and Russia have caused concern among some Western policymakers. The decision to join the SCO may be seen as a signal of Saudi Arabia's willingness to diversify its foreign policy and build new partnerships.
It is worth noting that joining the SCO is not without its challenges. The organization has been criticized by some for its lack of transparency and human rights abuses in some member states. Saudi Arabia, as a country with its own human rights challenges, may face scrutiny and criticism for joining the organization. However, the Kingdom has emphasized its commitment to promoting human rights and upholding international law and will likely seek to use its membership in the SCO to advance these values.
Overall, the decision to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization represents a significant step for Saudi Arabia's foreign policy and regional engagement. The Kingdom's increasing ties with China and Russia and its efforts to diversify its economy and build new partnerships are likely to have far-reaching implications for the region and the world. As Saudi Arabia takes on this new role, it will be important for the country to balance its strategic interests with its commitment to promoting stability, security, and human rights in the region.
