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MINSK, 24 January (BelTA) – Belarus is an active participant in the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and puts forward many initiatives to promote cooperation in trade, investment, the manufacturing sector, and culture, SCO Secretary- General Nurlan Yermekbayev told journalists. He came to Belarus as the head of the SCO observation mission to monitor the presidential election, BelTA has learned.
Belarus' journey to become part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization took many years: the country joined the SCO as a dialogue partner in 2010 and had its status upgraded to an observer state in 2015. In July 2024, Belarus became a full member of the organization. “The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is very happy about it. Our organization has welcomed a very active and authoritative state. Even in the status of an observer, Belarus put forward meaningful proposals in various areas. Soon after Belarus became a full-fledged member of the SCO, the Day of National Cultures of the SCO Member States was held at the international arts festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk. This is just one example of Belarus' active participation in the SCO activities. In addition, a number of other initiatives were put forward in such areas as cultural and humanitarian cooperation, industry, investment, and trade,” said Nurlan Yermekbayev.
According to him, this year an Agro-SCO exposition might be arranged at the Belagro expo if the SCO member states are interested in it. There are also plans for the SCO to participate in the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk. “In total, more than 200 events of all kinds are planned for this year. Both official events, such as meetings of ministers, committee chairpersons, heads of government agencies, and events initiated by the member countries themselves. This year, the SCO will promote the sustainable development agenda. Therefore, all states will arrange theme-related events. This agenda is very broad and includes green energy, the fight against poverty, and improvement of education and healthcare. The SCO is a multifunctional and multidisciplinary organization, so we work in all areas,” the SCO secretary-general noted.
The trip to Belarus is one of Nurlan Yermekbayev's first foreign visits as the SCO secretary-general. On the morning of 24 January, he visited the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research (BISR). “This institute is well-known not only in the SCO space, but also far beyond its borders. Last year, BISR was designated as a national research center at the SCO Forum. This platform is engaged in research and analytical work not only in the interests of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, but also in a broader international context. It develops proposals for the further development of cooperation in the SCO. The Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research is already actively involved in these events. We expect that this year it will also take an active part in the SCO Forum meeting. In addition, a consortium of economic analytical centers operates within the SCO. The Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research also participates in it. These two forums represent a very important area of activity – analytical and scientific substantiation of the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. I think we have something to discuss and exchange opinions on with Belarusian analysts, so that our interaction benefits all SCO member states,” the SCO secretary-general noted.
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