The countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) plan to enhance cooperation in the fields of security and economy, as stated by SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming during the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the SCO member states in Astana.
"We will further deepen cooperation in the security sphere, including improving its mechanisms to counter modern challenges and threats, primarily to combat the three forces of evil: terrorism, separatism, and extremism," Zhang Ming said.
He emphasized that the SCO intends to promote economic cooperation effectively and "create the necessary conditions for the faster movement of goods, capital, services, and technologies" among member states.
According to Zhang Ming, there is a strong desire for development in today's world. However, he acknowledged that instability and uncertainty are increasing, terrorism remains a threat to the global community, and many countries are still under economic pressure. He also highlighted that the SCO will encourage humanitarian exchanges to enhance mutual understanding among the peoples of the organization's member states.
SCO Expansion
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization will continue to expand with new partners and enhance its status in the international arena, Zhang Ming stated.
"In line with the current trend, the SCO will continue to expand its circle of partners and actively build up international ties, as well as enhance its authority and influence," he said.
He noted that Iran officially joined the SCO at the New Delhi summit in 2023. "I would like to welcome and congratulate Iran on its participation in today's meeting for the first time as a full member state of the organization," Zhang Ming said.
He also recalled that Belarus will become an SCO member state at the Astana summit in July.
Over the past year, two states, Algeria and Laos, have applied for the status of SCO dialogue partner, the Secretary-General added.
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Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS