Iran has applied to become a permanent member of the organization but countries sanctioned by the UN Security Council are not admitted.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) welcomes the progress made at recent talks on Iran's nuclear program, the organization's head, Dmitry Mezentsev, told RIA Novosti.

On April 2, Iran and a group of six international negotiators, including envoys from Russia and the United States, agreed on a framework for a deal on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program, which would ease sanctions against Tehran in exchange for a more transparent nuclear program.

"We welcome the progress made at the 'six-lateral' Iran talks. But we have to be realists, it is clear that progress cannot be swift in such a complex issue, but we hope that serious results will be achieved in the foreseeable future," Mezentsev said in an interview.

According to the SCO head, Iran has applied to become a permanent member of the organization but countries sanctioned by the UN Security Council are not admitted.

However, the organization acknowledges Iran's wishes to increase its activity in SCO in its current state as an observer, and feels that it has great potential in this role. Mezentsev praised Iran's work in the organization to date.

The SCO comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan are the SCO observers.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a permanent intergovernmental body aimed at promoting cooperation between its members in the spheres of politics, trade, security, science, energy, and culture. The SCO's main goals include promoting security and stability in the region.

By Sputnik News