Opinion: positions of Belarus, Russia as members of Union State to be close or identical within SCO

The positions of Belarus and Russia within the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) will be close or identical, thus strengthening twinning ties, including within the framework of this international organisation – as noted by Vladimir Zakharov, Professor of the Diplomatic Academy at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Deputy Secretary General of the SCO in 2004-2010, during the Minsk-Moscow Union State live streaming

“We’re really glad that Belarus has become a full member of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. I believe that Belarus’ accession strengthens the organisation and co-ordination of such states as Russia and China. Taking into account that Belarus’ foreign policy positions are close or identical to those of the Russian Federation, I think this is a major achievement. This expands the possibilities of political, economic, and humanitarian liaisons while also contributes to the growth of the authority of Belarus’ leadership and significantly expanding our opportunities for multidisciplinary co-operation within the SCO,” the professor stressed.

Vladimir Zakharov also noted that, from the point of view of international law, Belarus joined the SCO as a sovereign state in all respects. However, in his opinion, co-ordination between Russia and Belarus as members of a single Union State within the SCO is of great importance.

“These two states, represented as sovereign subjects of international relations, will naturally defend the same positions. The SCO is expanding, and with the arrival of many states, certain nuances in their political spectrum are being identified. It’s no secret, e.g., that the border problem between China and India has not been settled so far. There are certain contradictions between India and Pakistan. Therefore, Belarus’ accession to the SCO will play a cementing role in strengthening the Union State common positions. After all, both Belarus and Russia are members of the UN and other international associations on the rights of sovereign states. Meanwhile, this coupling within the framework of the Union State has more internal than external significance. This is the road to deep integration between our states,” he explained.