Turkey considers accession to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Turkey's president stated in November 2016 that the country did not need to join the European Union 'at all costs' and could instead become part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The bloc has strong elements relating to security policy, which would likely also clash with Turkey's status as a NATO member.

This was not the first time such solution was mulled by Turkish authorities.

• Primary Source

Hürriyet Daily News, 21.11.16: China says it would consider Turkey membership of Shanghai bloc http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/china-says-it-would-consider-turkey-membership-of-shanghai-bloc.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106375

Hürriyet Daily News, 21.11.16: President Erdoğan: EU not everything, Turkey may join Shanghai Five http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-not-everything-turkey-may-join-shanghai-pact-president-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106321

Anadolu Agency, 21.11.16: Turkey mulls option to join Shanghai Pact instead of EU President Erdoğan: EU not everything, Turkey may join Shanghai Five

The Independent, 20.11.16: Turkey could join bloc with Russia and China instead of EU, President Erdogan says http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-president-erdogan-eu-russia-china-a7428391.html

Hürriyet Daily News, 20.11.16: Aiming for Shanghai Pact to cause more problems for Turkish foreign policy: CHP deputy chair http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/aiming-for-shanghai-pact-to-cause-more-problems-for-turkish-foreign-policy-chp-deputy-chair-.aspx?PageID=238&NID=106352

RT, 20.11.16: Turkey to mull joining SCO, led by Russia & China, instead of ‘fixation’ on EU – Erdogan https://www.rt.com/news/367576-erdogan-turkey-sco-eu/

Sputnik International, 22.11.16: 'Russia, China Would Like to See Turkey in SCO if It Freezes Links With NATO' http://sptnkne.ws/cKYN

Newsweek, 21.11.16: Recep Tayyip Erdogan Open to Turkey Joining Russia and China-led Bloc http://europe.newsweek.com/erdogan-claims-turkey-could-join-russia-and-china-led-bloc-523279

BBC News, 22.11.16: Turkey and the EU: The end of the affair? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38055357

EUObserver, 22.11.16: Nato chief defiant on Trump and Erdogan uncertainties https://euobserver.com/foreign/135993

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