Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) History The **Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)** was officially founded on **June 15, 2001**, as a regional political, economic, and security alliance. Its origins lie in the **Shanghai Five**, which was established in **1996** by **China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan**. The group's initial focus was to build trust and cooperation on military and border issues among these nations. The shift towards deeper cooperation occurred in **2001** when **Uzbekistan** joined the group, transforming it into the SCO. The primary goals of the organization expanded to include fostering regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and promoting economic collaboration. Over time, the SCO evolved into a platform for addressing common challenges in areas like energy, trade, and security across **Central Asia**. Key historical milestones include: 1. Early Years (1996–2000): The Shanghai Five countries signed agreements to reduce mi