Algeria seeks to join China and Russia in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Algeria has applied to become a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to a report in Bulgarianmilitary.com. The application is a preliminary step to becoming a full member of the China led political economic and security alliance which includes Russia.

Since its founding in 2001, by China and 5 former members of the Soviet Union, the SCO has expanded to include Iran, Pakistan and India. In the last two decades, members have conducted joint military exercises.