Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Erdogan Says Turkey Would Consider Full Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Membership
Turkey is thinking about becoming a full member of a group called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
This group is led by China and Russia.
Turkey is already a dialogue partner, which means it works with the group in a limited way.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey may want a closer relationship with it.
He attended the group’s summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Erdogan also said this would not mean Turkey is leaving its other alliances.
He specifically said it would not mean moving away from NATO or the West.
The comments show that Turkey is considering stronger ties with the organisation while keeping its existing relationships.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey is considering pursuing full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Turkey is currently a dialogue partner of the China- and Russia-led organisation.
Erdogan attended the organisation’s summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday.
He said full membership would raise Turkey’s engagement with the security bloc.
Erdogan stressed that joining would not mean leaving NATO, other alliances, or the West.
- Who
- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkey.
- What
- Turkey is considering pursuing full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
- When
- Erdogan made the comments on Wednesday after attending the organisation’s summit on Tuesday.
- Where
- The summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Erdogan spoke to journalists on his return flight.
- Why
- Turkey is considering raising its level of engagement with the China- and Russia-led security organisation.
- Organisation
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
- Turkey’s current status
- Dialogue partner
- Potential change
- Turkey is considering full membership
- Organisation’s leadership
- China and Russia
- Recent summit
- Held Tuesday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Erdogan’s clarification
- Full membership would not mean breaking away from existing alliances or the West