Multilateralism is the reality of this century, the Iranian foreign minister said, referring to the Iranian Parliament’s approval of the bill on Iran's permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Mehr reported.

Parliament's decisive vote for the bill on Iran's permanent membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) shows the country's determination and seriousness to develop regional, international, and economic cooperation with Asian countries, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian tweeted on Sunday.

The approach of multilateralism is the reality of this century, he added.

Earlier on Sunday morning, the Iranian lawmakers approved the aforementioned bill—with 205 votes in favor, 3 votes against, and 4 abstentions out of a total of 237.

On September 15, Iran had signed a memorandum of obligations to join the SCO.

The president of Uzbekistan had formally announced Iran’s full membership in the SCO at the Samarkand summit.

The SCO had accepted Iran’s application for membership last year and it will take a year to complete all the formalities.

Most probably, Iran’s full membership is scheduled to take effect from April 2023.

Previously, Iran only enjoyed observer status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.