Energy Minister: Belarus keen to develop co-operation with SCO members in energy sector
Belarus is keen to develop co-operation with the SCO member states in the energy sector – as stated by Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich, speaking at the fourth SCO Energy Ministers meeting in Astana, sb.by reports with reference to the Belarusian Energy Ministry’s press service
According to Viktor Karankevich, the agenda of the meeting clearly reflects the mutual desire of the SCO countries to expand mutually beneficial partnerships in the energy sector.
“In the context of external challenges and increasing geopolitical tensions, the role of the organisation in strengthening energy security in the region is significantly increasing” he stressed. “Today, it is important to develop co-ordinated actions to build and combine long-term national energy programmes with a focus on strengthening the technological and production potential of the energy industry, taking comprehensive measures to ensure a phased transition towards a green economy and low-carbon development, and promoting new joint initiatives aimed at expanding practical interaction within the SCO,” Belarus’ Energy Minister underlined.
These key areas are the basis of the draft strategy for energy co-operation among the SCO member states until 2030, approved today. The document envisages co-ordinated steps to further diversify fuel and energy resources, reduce dependence on hydrocarbons, develop clean and efficient energy sources, including nuclear energy, and increase energy efficiency.
Belarus is ready to share its experience and best practices in these areas.
“In the very near future our country is expected to become a full member of the SCO, enabling us to expand liaisons with partners in the organisation in both multilateral and bilateral formats,” Viktor Karankevich added. “We’re open to interaction and dialogue with the SCO members and are ready to join joint work on developing measures for collective energy security and developing mechanisms for regional co-operation within the SCO.”
