Putin: Settlement of Iran Nuclear Issue Facilitates Tehran's SCO Accession

The implementation of the nuclear deal and the removal of sanctions give Tehran a chance to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

TASHKENT (Sputnik) — Tehran has no obstacles to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) after the settlement of the Iranian nuclear program and removal of sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.

"Iran has been actively participating in the organization's activity since 2005 as an observer. I think that after the settlement of the Iranian nuclear problem and removal of sanctions, there are no obstacles for a favorable consideration of Tehran's bid [for the SCO membership]," Putin said at the meeting of SCO presidents.

Earlier in the day, Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek Atambaev said that the fact that Tehran is fulfilling its obligations regarding the country's nuclear program creates favorable conditions for Iran's accession to the SCO in the nearest future.

"Implementation by the Iranian side of commitments to limit its nuclear program and the start of the implementation of the so-called [Joint Comprehensive] Plan of Action create favorable conditions for Iran to join SCO in the nearest future," the Kyrgyz leader said.