Belarus President held a meeting with the SCO Secretary General

The President of Belarus met with Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Zhang Ming. Since 2015, our country has been an observer in this influential global organization. In September last year, at the SCO summit in Samarkand, a historic decision was made – the procedure to make Belarus a full-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was launched. The relevant procedures are being carried out in an accelerated format and Belarus will eventually acquire the status of a member. The total number of SCO countries is 21. 8 are full members. These are: India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Taking into account the strategically important geographical position, our country will organically complement the structure of the organization in such areas as: transit, industrial and scientific potential. Belarus’ experience in peacekeeping and multilateral diplomacy is also important. Among the priorities of Belarus in the SCO is effective interaction with partners in three main areas: strengthening regional security, intensive development of economic cooperation, and deepening humanitarian ties.