MOSCOW , May 31, Asia-Plus -- SCO heads of parliament have gathered in Moscow for a debut meeting to address regional cooperation and international issues.

The first meeting of heads of parliament from member nations making out the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will consider issues related to further expansion of inter-parliamentary cooperation in the Asian-Pacific region and joint anti-terrorism measures, Igor Rogachyov, member of the Council of Federation (Russia’s upper chamber of parliament) Committee for International Affairs, remarked at a meeting with journalists on the eve of the meeting.  “The forum also will center on enhancement of legislative foundation of economic cooperation within the organization,” said Mr. Rogachyov, “Besides, the issue of admission of new members may also be raised because at present there are many those interested in joining the SCO, which is an evidence of the fact that the organization had good future.”

Reminding that some countries have status of observer, Russian MP stressed, “Time has come to work out a document, which would precisely determine status of member, observer and guest.”  The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an integration structure demonstrating an example of open partnership, Mr. Rogachyov concluded. 

The meeting was held on May 30.  President Vladimir Putin addressing the meeting highlighted cooperation between SCO legislators as a new sphere of cooperation within the organization.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded in 2001 as the regional cooperation and security organization was founded in 2001.  Its six permanent members are China , Russia , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , and Uzbekistan . India , Iran , Mongolia , and Pakistan are observers.