Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted at his intention for Turkey to officially join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), led by China and Russia, on the 2nd local time.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Erdogan answered a reporter's question about the possibility of Turkey transitioning into a full SCO member state while aboard his flight back from SCO events in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, saying, "We can further develop our relations with the SCO moving forward."

President Erdogan stated, "In recent years, we have made significant progress in our relations with the SCO, which reflects our multilateral foreign policy approach," adding, "Turkey maintains bilateral trade and economic relations with SCO member states."

He continued, "Turkey's accession does not mean leaving other blocs or turning our backs on the West," explaining, "Our goal is to expand our influence through the SCO."

During the SCO summit the previous day, President Erdogan said, "The SCO is one of the essential elements of a multipolar order," adding, "We will strive to strengthen cooperation in all areas with the SCO, which is like a rising star."

Turkey is a member of the Western military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and is also pursuing membership in the European Union (EU).

Turkey has held "dialogue partner" status in the SCO since 2012, and in 2022, President Erdogan mentioned that "joining the SCO is our goal."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)