(KPL) The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has officially become the 15th dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), following unanimous agreement at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO Member States, held in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025.

With this decision, the SCO now consists of 10 full member states, 2 observer states, and 15 dialogue partners, including Laos. More than 10 other countries are currently applying for membership, reflecting the growing appeal of the organization.

Laos’ entry as a dialogue partner not only strengthens its cooperation with Eurasian countries but also creates deeper mutual understanding between Laos and SCO members. It is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s socio-economic development, while highlighting the SCO’s unique character as a cooperation mechanism that is “open and inclusive, but not exclusive; comprehensive, but not closed.”

Founded in 2001 in Shanghai, China, the SCO is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting peace, security, and stability, while also fostering economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual trust. Its guiding principle, the “Shanghai Spirit,” is based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development. This has become a model of international cooperation that moves beyond traditional geopolitical rivalries.

For Laos, joining the SCO comes at a crucial time. The country faces challenges such as drug trafficking, transnational crime, cybersecurity threats, and other security issues. The SCO, which prioritizes combating the “three forces” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, offers Laos access to anti-terrorism mechanisms, drug control agencies, and information-sharing platforms, thereby enhancing national security and internal stability.

Looking ahead, Laos is also expected to benefit from new initiatives announced by China within the SCO framework, including three major cooperation platforms in energy, green industry, and the digital economy, as well as cooperation centers for science and technology innovation, higher education, and vocational training. Joint projects such as 10 million kilowatts of solar power generation and 10 million kilowatts of wind power generation will provide Laos with opportunities to attract investment and technology, supporting its strategy of transforming from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub, while reinforcing its role as an important source of electricity supply for Southeast Asia.

At the Tianjin meeting, President Thongloun Sisoulith, on behalf of the Lao government and people, expressed gratitude to SCO member states for their support. He affirmed that the principles and goals of the SCO align closely with Laos’ foreign policy of peace, independence, friendship, and mutually beneficial cooperation. He stressed that Laos is ready to contribute to promoting regional peace, security, and sustainable development.

As a landlocked country in the heart of the Mekong sub-region, Laos serves as a bridge between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). With the Laos-China railway already a vital link in the regional transportation network, the country is well positioned to deepen connectivity with SCO member states.

The decision to admit Laos as a dialogue partner of the SCO represents both a strategic step in Laos’ foreign relations and an important contribution to the expansion of the “Shanghai Spirit.” It strengthens Laos’ standing on the international stage while creating new opportunities for socio-economic development through regional cooperation.

KPL