Lukashenko outlined directions to which Belarus, as full member, will pay close attention
A decision on the membership of the Republic of Belarus in the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation was signed at a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Astana, attended by President Aleksandr Lukashenko. In his speech at the summit, the Head of State outlined specific areas to which Belarus, as a full participant, plans to pay increased attention.
First of all, the Belarusian leader thanked his Kazakh friends for the excellent organisation of the meeting and the warm welcome in hospitable Astana, “Thanks, among other things, to your successful presidency, this day will go down in Belarus’ history as the date of our country’s accession to the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It’s very significant and symbolic that the year in which we are admitted to the SCO is the 80th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation from Nazi invaders. This is a wonderful gift to the Belarusian nation.”
The Head of State also cordially thanked his colleagues – the heads of the SCO member states – for their unanimous support of this decision.
The President outlined specific areas to which Belarus, as a full participant, plans to pay increased attention.
International security
“We’re deeply convinced that it is necessary to build true and indivisible global security in the 21st century. At the same time, the initiative should be taken by the countries of the global majority, since the narcissistic, selfish West was not capable of this. There are no leaders there today able to make responsible decisions on their own. For our part, we’ll try to adapt our initiatives in this area, which is most relevant for all of us today,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised.
Economy
Belarus and the SCO members already have mutually beneficial projects in energy, transport and logistics, finance and industrial co-operation.
“If we develop clear rules on our site, everyone will benefit, including those outside the SCO region of responsibility,” the Belarusian leader said.
Food security
According to the President, we are challenged in this area not only by traditional factors – climate change and natural disasters – but also by artificial barriers, including illegal sanctions against fertilisers, machinery, plant protection products, and supply routes.
“As a result, people in developing countries, including the poorest countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, are forced to starve. It is in our power to destroy the walls of the unipolar world, to feed people, eliminating many contradictions and conflicts due to social inequality, food shortages and resources,” Aleksandr Lukashenko underlined.
International positioning
According to the Belarusian leader, Minsk will try to make every effort to increase the authority of our organisation, expanding the circle of its allies and supporters.
“Many of the Belarusian ideas expressed earlier have already received international support. This applies to technology transfer, information security, transport and logistics, industry, trade and investment. Now, in our new capacity, we will strive to align our proposals with the initiatives of our organisation as much as possible,” the President noted.
Addressing the summit participants, the Head of State noted that Belarus is starting work in the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation with the understanding that the SCO is not only about security, economy and trade.
“This is also the mutual enrichment of cultures that will certainly bring our peoples closer. We’re ready to work hand in hand with the new presidency to implement joint priorities,” the President of Belarus summed up.
