Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin expressed the belief that the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have the collective capability to withstand Western sanctions and protectionist measures. He shared this opinion while addressing an expanded-format meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO member states.
"Our common priority is to enhance our nations' resilience in the face of global challenges and to provide robust protection for our citizens and businesses, especially given the intensifying competition and economic uncertainties, including the imposition of protectionist measures and unlawful sanctions that disrupt global supply chains for goods and services. Together, we have the capacity to address these challenges," he stated.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin pointed to the evident progress in the form of substantial growth in mutual trade. In 2022, trade turnover between Russia and SCO member states increased by over a third, reaching a record high of almost 18.5 trillion rubles. In the first seven months of 2023, it added more than 16 trillion rubles. Mishustin emphasized that deepening cooperation is underpinned by the implementation of the economic development strategy for this decade. He stressed the need to continue improving the organization's activities in line with contemporary geopolitical realities.
Mishustin also reiterated the SCO's commitment to establishing a just and multipolar world order based on international law and universally recognized principles of cooperation between sovereign states. The United Nations plays a central and coordinating role in this endeavor.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Andrey Kudryashov/Fergana News Agency/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS