Solution: a) Iran is the new member of the SCO Prior to Iran’s joining, the SCO consisted of eight mem- ber countries: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and the four Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The grouping came into existence in Shanghai in 2001 with six members, minus India and Pakistan. Its prima- ry objective was to enhance regional cooperation for ef- forts to curb terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the Central Asian region. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia enjoy Observer status in the SCO, while six other countries — Azerbai- jan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka — have Dialogue Partner status.
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