Moscow (PTI): President Asif Ali Zardari will seek full membership for Pakistan of the China-Russia led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), where it currently holds an observer status along with India, Iran and Mongolia.

Mr. Zardari reached the Russian city of Yekaterinburg this morning for the SCO summit on the sidelines of which he is expected to meet his host Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and other leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"Pakistan attaches great importance to joining the SCO. We would like to fully participate in the programmes and events of SCO and play an appropriate role in achieving the goals of the organisation.

"That's why Pakistan expects its admission into this organisation as a full-fledged member," Mr. Zardari told local business daily 'Kommersant'.

In 2001 Pakistan had formally applied for SCO's membership, but due to differences between Moscow and Beijing over the issue, the Shanghai Six had frozen the entry of new members.

Russia and several other central Asian states were against Pakistan's entry into the body due to its 'negative' track record on anti-terrorism measures and had wanted the inclusion of India.

However, China was for simultaneous entry of India with Pakistan. In 2005 India, Iran and Pakistan were granted observer status by the SCO.