"SCO will confidently take new steps forward" conference | Organization | SCO

Vladimir Portaparco Han Xianyang Photo/Bright Picture

Former Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Vladimir Portapenko, recently stated in an interview with our reporter that "the SCO will confidently take new steps forward.".

Potaparco stated that since its establishment, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has always adhered to the "Shanghai Spirit", continuously consolidated its member states' good neighborly friendship and political mutual trust, deepened cooperation in various fields, and played an important constructive role in international and regional affairs. He said that although it is necessary to make new plans both internally and externally, the authority of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the post pandemic era has not declined. Instead, it continues to carry out effective activities in today's world, where there is a significant increase in instability, uncertainty, and unpredictable factors. With countries such as Kuwait, Myanmar, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain joining as dialogue partners, the SCO family has further expanded. This means that the Shanghai spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and seeking common development is rapidly spreading globally.

The SCO Samarkand Summit held in September 2022 decided to appoint India as the rotating presidency from 2022 to 2023. The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization aims to promote development in areas such as security, economy, connectivity, unity, respect, and the environment. On the one hand, it is expected that this conference will adopt statements and other documents on areas such as de radicalization, digital transformation, healthcare, etc; On the other hand, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will make a crucial decision to accept Iran as a full member state. Potabinko quoted Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov as saying that an increasing number of countries are working to establish contacts with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. "At the upcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on July 4th, Iran will become a member of this organization.". Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Ambrazevich stated that member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization may complete the signing of a memorandum on Belarus' obligations to obtain status as a member of the organization in July. Potafenko believes that the acquisition of member states by Iran and Belarus will undoubtedly strengthen the strength of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. While referring to the experience of other international organizations, it will also encourage the permanent establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to work hard.

Potafenko emphasized that member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have similar views on the ongoing issues on the international stage today, and jointly hope to coordinate joint actions between the United Nations, the Eurasian Economic Union, ASEAN and other institutions on the Eurasian continent, while also engaging in cooperation with the BRICS countries committed to economic globalization. He expressed his belief that with the joint efforts of all parties, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will achieve greater development and help regional countries develop and prosper.

Potaponko stated that Russia has proposed the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Sports Association and Medical Association, while Central Asian countries are interested in promoting cooperation between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in information security, combating organized crime, and drug trafficking. Undoubtedly, these are complex issues that require in-depth research, time approval, and budget investment. He said that both Russia and China are founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and will take this summit as an opportunity to work together to create a better future for the Eurasian continent.

Potafenko pointed out that for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, another very important issue affecting security and stability in Central Asia is the situation around Afghanistan. One of the topics of this meeting is to support the revitalization of the SCO Afghanistan Liaison Group. Due to the lack of legal recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the work of the liaison group has been suspended. The SCO countries expect the Taliban leaders to fulfill their commitments and accommodate domestic political forces in Afghanistan. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization will help maintain Afghanistan's security, eliminate the threat of terrorism and drug trafficking. He said there is convincing evidence that the United States supports forces such as ISIS, East Turkestan, and Al Qaeda, and the United States has not given up its attempt to redeploy its military forces in Central Asia around Afghanistan.

Potaparco mentioned that China's relations with Central Asian countries have developed rapidly, and the recent successful China Asia Summit held in Xi'an has yielded fruitful results. Potaparco finally emphasized, "I believe that the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be a complete success, and the SCO will confidently take new steps forward.".