The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a global alliance comprising 9 member states and 4 observers from the Eurasian region. Initially formed as the Shanghai Five on April 26, 1996, it has expanded its membership. Alongside the 9 member states and 3 observers, the SCO presently includes 14 dialogue partners and 4 entries for guest attendance.
During the Samarkand Summit on September 16, 2022, India assumed the rotating Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the 23rd Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State, which was held virtually on July 4, 2023.
KAZAKHSTAN’S PROPOSAL
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has put forward a proposal for intensified energy cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). His suggestion involves hosting an SCO energy conference and formulating a joint energy strategy for the organization. The objective of this initiative is to strengthen collaboration in the energy sector among SCO member states, which notably include major players such as Russia, China, India, and now Iran.
By advocating for a dedicated SCO energy conference, President Tokayev aims to create a platform for member countries to discuss and coordinate their energy policies and initiatives. Additionally, the proposal for a joint energy strategy underscores the importance of aligning the interests and efforts of SCO nations in the energy sector. This cooperative approach is expected to foster greater stability, efficiency, and sustainability in energy-related activities within the SCO region.
RUSSIA’S OPINION
During the SCO summit, President Vladimir Putin affirmed Russia’s commitment to resist Western sanctions and provocations. He underscored the significance of strengthening ties within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and advocated for the use of local currencies in foreign trade settlements as a means to foster economic cooperation among member states.
President Putin’s stance against Western sanctions aligns with Russia’s longstanding position, emphasizing sovereignty and independence in the face of external pressures. The call for increased usage of local currencies in trade settlements reflects a shared interest in reducing dependency on foreign currencies and promoting financial autonomy among SCO members. Moreover, Putin highlighted the growing potential for conflicts and expressed concerns about the risk of a global economic crisis.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that external forces have long been involved in a project aimed at creating a de facto hostile state out of Ukraine, a neighbouring country. He highlighted the funnelling of weapons into Ukraine over eight years, condoning aggression against the peaceful population of Donbas, and the propagation of neo-Nazi ideology.
President Putin argued that these actions were orchestrated to jeopardize Russia’s security and impede the country’s development. He characterized the situation as a hybrid war, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of anti-Russian sanctions. Despite these challenges, Putin stated that Russia is resolutely resisting external pressure, sanctions, and provocations, signalling the country’s commitment to defending its interests and maintaining its stance in the face of international pressure.
XI JINPING’S CALL FOR PEACE
Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the SCO summit, called upon leaders from member states such as Russia, Iran, and others to collaborate in safeguarding regional peace. Emphasizing the imperative of common security, President Xi urged for increased solidarity and mutual trust among SCO members.
In alignment with these goals, President Xi advocated for concerted efforts to ensure regional peace, emphasizing the collective responsibility of member states to maintain stability in the region. This commitment to safeguarding peace underscores China’s active role in fostering a secure and stable environment within the SCO framework.
IRAN’S NEW MEMBERSHIP
The official inclusion of Iran as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) marks a significant development in regional cooperation and dialogue among neighbouring countries. This expansion further strengthens ties within the SCO, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering collaboration among its member states.
During this milestone, all members, including Iran, participated in signing the memorandum of obligation for the SCO membership of Belarus. This formal step underscores the cooperative nature of the SCO and its goal to deepen regional partnerships.
Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction at Iran’s accession to the SCO, stating, “I am happy that today Iran is going to join the SCO family as a new member. For this, I convey my best wishes to President Ebrahim Raisi and the people of Iran.” This welcoming sentiment reflects the cooperative spirit of the SCO and the acknowledgement of Iran’s contribution to the organization.