Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said more and more states want to develop ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), including joining it as full members or receiving observer status.
"Over the years of its existence the SCO has proven its relevance and great authority in the international arena. This is confirmed by the growing number of states willing to develop their relations with our organization, including their aspirations to join it as full-fledged members or to receive the status of observers or dialogue partners," said the Russian foreign minister, opening a meeting with the SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming.
According to Lavrov, the SCO is distinguished by the principles of equal rights, mutual benefit, taking into account each other's interests, searching for compromises and working out consensus. "And they are fully in line with the fundamental principles of international law, which is now being severely tested," he added.
"And it is in our common interests, in the interests of peaceful and progressive development of all mankind, in the interests of prosperity of people around the world to strengthen the SCO position as one of the key elements of the emerging multipolar world order," said the head of the Russian MFA. - "We know and appreciate your vast diplomatic experience and have no doubt that under your leadership the SCO will successfully move along this path."
Lavrov also conveyed congratulations to Zhang Ming on his appointment from Russian President Vladimir Putin and on his own behalf.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS