According to him, the Kremlin attaches great importance to work within the SCO, because, together with the BRICS, this authoritative international organization is “the main pillar of the new world order.” “It is distinguished by its respectful attitude towards national and cultural values and the equality of the participating states,” the presidential adviser stressed.
The SCO Council of Heads of State, as explained in the Kremlin, determines priorities and develops the main directions of the organization’s work. Today the SCO unites 26 member states and dialogue partners. “Ten states are full members, taking into account that Belarus will receive this status in Astana,” Ushakov said. In addition to Russia, the organization also includes India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
In addition to the heads of the listed countries, the President of Mongolia (an observer country) and the leaders of the dialogue partner countries (Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey) have been invited to the summit. Turkmenistan will participate at the invitation of the host country. According to Ushakov, the heads of several international organizations are also expected to participate, including UN Secretary General António Guterres, who is expected to attend.
The SCO events will begin on the evening of July 3 with an informal dinner on behalf of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. And on July 4, the meeting itself will take place: first, the host of the summit will greet his colleagues. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko will take part in the meeting from the first minute and will speak at it; after Tokayev’s speech, the republic will receive the status of a participant. “Belarus’ accession is an important political event,” Yuri Ushakov is sure. “Since 2009, our Belarusian colleagues have shown their readiness to contribute to the activities of the SCO, and we have always supported this desire.”
After accepting a new participant in their camp, the leaders will sum up the organization’s activities in the past and this year. It is planned to consider the issues of further strengthening the organization and cooperation in various areas. A substantial package of documents will be submitted for approval by the leaders. Coordinated approaches to current regional and international problems will be reflected in the SCO Astana Declaration. In addition to this large-scale document, the leaders will sign the initiative “On World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony.” According to Ushakov, we will talk about the formation of a multipolar world order in which the UN will play a central role.
The heads of state will also adopt a declaration on the principles of good-neighbourliness, trust and partnership. They are also expected to approve proposals for a comprehensive modernisation of the SCO, based on current realities. “It is necessary to invigorate its work and reform its security mechanisms,” said Yuri Ushakov. And the priority of the organisation will remain the fight against challenges and threats to security in its space.
The Programme for Cooperation in the Fight against Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism and the Anti-Drug Strategy will be updated in the medium term. In total, the leaders will adopt 24 documents.
The summit’s programme of events will continue with a meeting in the SCO plus format with the invitation of dialogue partners and observer states. These include Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkmenistan and Türkiye. The meeting participants will discuss strengthening dialogue for peace and development. This is a new format, Ushakov said. He added that the UN Secretary General is also planning to take part.
On the same day, the SCO chairmanship will be handed over to China for 2024-2025. “We will actively cooperate with our Chinese partners, and this year we will also chair the BRICS,” the head of state’s aide recalled, “that is, from July the Chinese will head one organization, and we will head another.” By the way, Vladimir Putin is planning a separate meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to Ushakov, further bilateral contacts with colleagues are planned, which will take place primarily on July 3. In particular, the interlocutor of the Russian leader will be his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “The visit of the Russian president to Turkey has been planned for a long time, this issue will be discussed,” Ushakov explained. “In general, the leaders have many issues on which to exchange views. The prospects for further joint work will be discussed.”
At the end of the Council meeting and a series of meetings, the President is expected to meet with representatives of the Russian media.
