Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s SCO Plus format summit

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's SCO Plus format summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 1 September.

The head of state congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council: "I see a sign of responsible commitment to this high mission in the chairmanship's initiative to discuss the UN as a key element of a just world order and the contribution of the SCO family states to shaping a multipolar world."

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the United Nations is unique in its universal mandate, broad composition, focus on dialogue, and the development of approaches that can take into account the interests of all countries as much as possible. "Even the smallest states are given a chance by the UN podium to draw the world's attention to their problems and ask for help in solving them. That is the strength of the Organization," he said.

At the same time, the President believes that very often political disagreements block real UN involvement in resolving unprovoked armed conflicts, including those involving one of the SCO member states - Iran. "You can criticize the Organization as much as you like (there are reasons for it), as well as its Secretariat leadership, but we must remember that the results of the UN's work depend first of all on us, the member states," he said.

The President remarked that there are four UN Security Council members in the "Shanghai family": Russia, China, Pakistan, and Bahrain, including two permanent members. Kyrgyzstan will become a non-permanent member instead of Pakistan in 2027.

"You are perfectly aware of how large the share of SCO countries in the world population and economy is. Without members of our association it is impossible to resolve a single problem such as climate change, fight against pandemics, or the stabilization of energy markets," Aleksandr Lukashenko is convinced.

He stressed that Belarus expects tighter interaction between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Organization to produce an effect. "In our own format we are capable of promoting the solutions that have come to a halt in New York due to opposition from the West in such areas as promotion of international peace and security, fight against terrorism, cyber threats, and drugs trafficking," the head of state said.

The President believes that in the economic dimension the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is capable of effectively implementing the initiatives that the UN cannot approve and that are aimed at fighting unilateral coercive measures, at stimulating mutual investments, simplifying customs procedures, developing the digital economy and transport connectivity.