Putin highlights evolving significance for Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the evolving significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a pivotal force in the global shift towards multipolarity. Speaking at the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin underscored the organization's expansion and its growing influence in international affairs.
Founded in 2001 by China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO has expanded its membership to include Iran in 2021, following India and Pakistan's accession in 2017. Putin, during discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit, reaffirmed the pivotal role of SCO members, who collectively represent approximately 20 percent of global GDP.
Putin emphasized that the SCO, originally conceived by its founding members, has evolved into a key pillar of a fair and equitable multipolar world order. He noted Belarus' imminent accession as the tenth full member of the organization, marking a significant milestone in its development.
SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming recently highlighted the organization's transformation from a regional forum into a comprehensive international entity over more than two decades. With Belarus poised to join, the SCO anticipates a historic expansion that underscores its growing stature on the global stage.
Putin's remarks reflect Russia's commitment to strengthening cooperation within the SCO framework, enhancing regional stability, and contributing to the emergence of a balanced global order characterized by mutual respect and cooperation among nations. The SCO's trajectory underscores its role in fostering dialogue, economic collaboration, and strategic partnerships across Eurasia and beyond.
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