Tag: SCO SUMMIT

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE commits to partnerships at SCO Summit

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah hailed the summit as a way for a new era of cooperation among the member countries, covering various fields to advance common interests that serve people….reports Asian Lite News

UAE is committed to strengthening its partnerships and building bridges of cooperation and friendship with countries worldwide, said H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi yesterday participated in the SCO Summit, being held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, as the head of the UAE delegation.

Taking place on 3rd and 4th July under the theme “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity”, the summit saw the participation of heads of state and government of Member States, as well as representatives of regional and international organisations.

The UAE’s participation in the summit comes after it was officially granted “Dialogue Partner” status in the SCO during the organisation’s meetings last year in India.

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is committed to strengthening its partnerships and building bridges of cooperation and friendship with countries worldwide around mutual respect and across all vital sectors, including economic, trade, political, cultural, energy, and technological fields.

This approach, he explained, stems from the UAE’s grasp of the role international cooperation plays in driving development, boosting the prospects for accelerating economic growth to ensure a more prosperous and sustainable future for all peoples of the world.

In his speech during the summit, H.H. Sheikh Saud stated that the UAE’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit exemplifies its steadfast commitment to promoting multilateral international work, emphasising the important role of the SCO in enhancing cooperation among Member States to achieve common goals.

The UAE, he said, adopts a broad-minded approach to economic partnerships, foreign trade, and investment, and it is currently working with various partners to drive international cooperation, steering it towards the most pressing issues and priorities on the global agenda.

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah went on to explain that the summit is paving the way for a new era of cooperation among the organisation’s member countries, covering various fields to advance common interests that serve their peoples.

H.H. Sheikh Saud reiterated the UAE’s call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, ensuring the swift, urgent, and intensified delivery of humanitarian aid, highlighting the need to identify a clear path and achieve just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution to ensure the Palestinian people their right to establish an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

The SCO Summit kicked off with a keynote by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during which he highlighted the SCO’s objectives and principles, which include boosting solidarity and cooperation between Member States. He also presented development-related recommendations aimed at bolstering relations between member countries across political, trade, economic and security fields.

Several heads of state and leaders of international organisations also delivered speeches during the summit, touching on a number of regional and global issues, and ways to enhance the comprehensive partnership among SCO members, which, they affirmed, would help maintain peace and security and accelerate development in the region.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Mohammed Saeed Al Ariqi, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan; and a number of officials.

ALSO READ: UPI Payments Now Available in UAE

Categories
-Top News Asia News India News

India Flags Cross-Border Terrorism at SCO Summit

Prime Minister Modi also urged to take “proactive steps” to prevent the spread of radicalisation among the youth…reports Asian Lite News

Reminding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) of one of its “original goals”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that cross-border terrorism requires a “decisive response” from the grouping which must “naturally” give priority to combating terrorism and respecting territorial integrity in the region.

PM Modi’s remarks, delivered by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Kazakhstan’s Astana, assume significance as the gathering of leaders physically attending the summit also included Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“Many of us have had our experiences, often originating beyond our borders. Let us be clear that if left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. Terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned,” EAM Jaishankar, who is leading the Indian delegation at the Summit, mentioned while delivering PM Modi’s remarks.

“International community must isolate and expose those countries that harbour terrorists, provide safe havens and condone terrorism. Cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and terrorism financing and recruitment must be resolutely countered,” PM Modi added in his message to the SCO community which represents approximately 40 per cent of the world’s population and nearly one-third of the global economy.

Prime Minister Modi also urged to take “proactive steps” to prevent the spread of radicalisation among the youth while highlighting the shared commitment agreed upon by the member states in the Joint Statement issued during India’s SCO Presidency last year.

He said that the meeting was taking place in the backdrop of pandemic impact, ongoing conflicts, rising tensions, trust deficits and increasing number of hotspots around the world – events which have put significant strain on international relations and global economic growth.

“At this time, it is particularly noteworthy that we are reiterating mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force as a basis for our foreign policies. We have also agreed not to take any measures contrary to the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity,” PM Modi underlined in his remarks.

The gathering of the leaders, he said, is aimed at finding common ground to mitigate the consequences of these developments.

While congratulating Iran and Belarus, the new members of the organisation, PM Modi said that the SCO occupies a prominent place in India’s foreign policy.

Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks, also focused on working towards achieving committed reduction in emissions and having robust connectivity for economic development.

“Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for connectivity and infrastructure projects. So too are non-discriminatory trade rights and transit regimes. The SCO needs to deliberate seriously on these aspects,” he stated.

He also spotlighted India’s commitment to ‘AI for All’ while insisting that the 21st century is the century of technology.

“We have to make technology creative and apply it to the welfare and progress of our societies. India is among the countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence and the launch of an AI Mission,” PM’s remarks mentioned.

India’s priorities at the SCO Summit have been shaped by PM Modi’s vision of SECURE, which stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.

The principle of SECURE reflected the theme of India’s first-ever presidency of SCO, as was asserted by PM Modi during the virtual SCO Summit hosted by New Delhi on July 4, last year.

ALSO READ: Astana Hosts SCO Summit

Categories
-Top News World World News

Astana Hosts SCO Summit

The summit began with an official ceremony where all relevant documents for the country’s membership were signed…reports Asian Lite News

The 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) kicked off on Thursday in Astana, with Belarus officially becoming a member of the association.

The summit began with an official ceremony where all relevant documents for the country’s membership were signed, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Dear heads of state, a decision on the full membership of the Republic of Belarus in the SCO has been made,” Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced, congratulating Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko, in turn, noted that Minsk will strive to expand the SCO’s influence and broaden its circle of allies and supporters.

The SCO summit is currently being held in Astana, with attendance by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Turkmenistan, and the SCO Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.

ALSO READ: RAK Ruler leads UAE delegation at SCO Summit

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

RAK Ruler leads UAE delegation at SCO Summit

Kazakhstan is hosting the two-day summit under the theme: “Strengthening multilateral dialogue – the pursuit of sustainable peace and development’’, from 3rd to 4th July….reports Asian Lite News

On behalf of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, arrived in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, leading the UAE delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

Kazakhstan is hosting the two-day summit under the theme: “Strengthening multilateral dialogue – the pursuit of sustainable peace and development’’, from 3rd to 4th July.
Heads of state and government of Member States, as well as representatives of regional and international organisations will participate in the summit.

The UAE’s participation in the summit comes after it was officially granted “Dialogue Partner” status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the organization’s meetings last year in India.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; and a number of officials.

Upon arrival at Astana International Airport, H.H. was welcomed by Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakh Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry; Mohamed Saeed Alariqi, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan; and several government officials.

Established on June 15, 2001 as a permanent intergovernmental international organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation aims to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good-neighborliness between the Member States; encourage the effective cooperation between the Member States in such spheres as politics, trade, economy, science and technology, culture, education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc; and jointly ensure and maintain peace, security and stability in the region.

ALSO READ: Ahmed wins UAE’s Arab Reading Challenge

Categories
-Top News India News World News

EAM Jaishankar Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Astana

Jaishankar, in his meeting with Lavrov, raised “strong concern about Indian nationals” currently in the war zone in Russia….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Pushkin Park in Astana on Wednesday, where he paid tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi accompanied by members of the Indian community following his arrival to represent India at the SCO Summit on July 4.

Jaishanark shared the pictures on X, of him and the Indian delegations paying tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

“Paid homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Pushkin Park in Astana today. Joined by members of the Indian community and friends of India,” EAM wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting.

Jaishankar, in his meeting with Lavrov, raised “strong concern about Indian nationals” currently in the war zone in Russia.

“Good to meet Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Astana today. Wide-ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership and contemporary issues.

Noted the progress in many areas since our last meeting in December 2023,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.”Raised our strong concern on Indian nationals who are currently in the war zone. Pressed for their safe and expeditious return,” he underlined.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar arrived in Astana to represent India at the SCO Summit, which is being held under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship.

The EAM was welcomed by Kazakhstan Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev at the airport.

“EAM @DrSJaishankar reached Astana to represent PM @narendramodi at the SCO Summit from July 3-4, 2024. On arrival, EAM was welcomed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister @AlibekBakayev,” the Indian Embassy in Kazakhstan posted on X.

Jaishankar also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu in Astana on Tuesday and discussed expanding strategic partnership and India’s increasing engagement with Central Asia.

Jaishankar thanked the deputy prime minister for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit.

The two ministers further exchanged views on regional and global issues.

“Delighted to meet DPM & FM Murat Nurtleu of Kazakhstan in Astana today. Thanked him for the hospitality and arrangements for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit. Discussed our expanding Strategic Partnership and India’s increasing engagement with Central Asia in various formats. Also exchanged views on regional and global issues,” EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the summit. The SCO Summit will be held on July 3-4.

The 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (SCO Summit) will be held under the presidency of Kazakhstan on July 4. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Jaishankar, Nurtleu discuss India’s deepening ties with Central Asia

Categories
-Top News India News World News

India’s ‘SECURE’ Agenda at SCO Summit

The SECURE principle was emphasized as the central theme of India’s inaugural presidency of the SCO, as highlighted by PM Modi during the virtual SCO Summit held in New Delhi on July 4th last year…reports Asian Lite News

India on Tuesday said that its priorities at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit being held in Astana this week under the presidency of Kazakhstan are shaped by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SECURE, which stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State which will be held on Thursday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the leaders attending the summit are expected to review the organisation’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of multilateral cooperation.

Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed at the meeting.

The principle of SECURE reflected the theme of India’s first-ever presidency of SCO, as was asserted by PM Modi during the virtual SCO Summit hosted by New Delhi on July 4, last year.

More than 140 programmes, conferences, and meetings within the SCO were held and five new pillars of cooperation within the SCO – Startups and Innovation; Traditional Medicine; Youth Empowerment; Digital Inclusion, and Shared Buddhist Heritage – established under India’s chairmanship.

It was also under India’s presidency that Iran joined the SCO family as a new member and the signing of the Memorandum of Obligation for Belarus’ SCO membership took place.

“The SCO represents approximately 40 per cent of the world’s population and nearly one-third of the global economy. Therefore, it is our shared responsibility to understand each other’s needs and sensitivities. To resolve all challenges through better cooperation and coordination, and make constant efforts for the well-being of our people,” PM Modi had remarked at the 23rd SCO Summit, last July.

ALSO READ: India enhancing Eurasian ties through SCO

Categories
-Top News Asia News World News

Jaishankar to Lead India at SCO Summit

ANI_20240403037

Kazakhstan took over the SCO presidency from India, which was the president last year. …reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday.

The SCO summit will take place from July 3-4 in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan.

“The External affairs minister will be leading our delegation there,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing here.

Kazakhstan took over the SCO presidency from India, which was the president last year. India hosted the SCO summit virtually in July 2023. This year’s host is Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has proposed, among other initiatives, the establishment of a joint investment fund.

In a telephonic conversation with the Kazakhstan President on June 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his full support for the success of the upcoming summit in Astana. During the conversation, the two leaders also reiterated their commitment to continue to work together to advance bilateral strategic partnerships.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Kazakhstan’s leadership would greatly contribute to the furtherance of regional cooperation.

“Had a good conversation with President of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Thanked him for warm wishes on the success in the elections,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

“Reiterated the commitment to advance our Strategic Partnership with Kazakhstan. Conveyed India’s full support for the success of the upcoming SCO Summit,” he added.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the SCO summits were held virtually.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a political, economic, and security group that was established in 2001. The current members of the SCO are China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023, under the Indian Presidency of the grouping. Belarus is an observer state and is next in line to gain full membership.

The SCO is focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation among its member states. The organisation covers over 60 per cent of the Eurasian landmass, 40 per cent of the world population, and 30 per cent of global GDP. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Economic Crisis Grips Pakistan with No Exit

Categories
-Top News Europe India News

Will resist sanctions & provocations: Putin at SCO summit

Putin was referring to the sanctions that Russia faces from Europe in the aftermath of it’s ongoing war with Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that his country will stand up against Western sanctions and ‘provocations’.

Addressing the virtual SCO summit, Putin said Moscow planned to boost ties with the grouping and supported the transition to settlements in local currencies in foreign trade.

He also warned that the potential for conflicts and the risk of a global economic crisis were on the rise.

Putin was referring to the sanctions that Russia faces from Europe in the aftermath of it’s ongoing war with Ukraine.

The SCO summit began Tuesday through virtual mode with the opening address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said that SCO shouldn’t hesitate in criticising countries supporting cross-border terrorism.

India holds the presidency of SCO currently. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also participating in the virtual summit.

Meanwhile, the Russian President thanked PM Modi for organising the summit. “I would like to thank PM Modi for organising this summit. Russia supports the New Delhi declaration which gives a consolidated approach to international issues.

“We will continue to strengthen ties with SCO member states,” Putin said.

“Another focus of the SCO is the current situation in Afghanistan. The situation, regrettably, is not becoming better. The SCO’s priority must be counter terrorism, counter radicalism, extremism and to counter drug trafficking,” the Russian President added.

This was Putin’s first appearance at an international event after a failed coup attempt by Wagner group against his government in late June.

ALSO READ: India’s SCO Presidency: Here’s what is in focus

Categories
-Top News India News

India advocates for English as working language in SCO

The Indian initiative to introduce English as a working language has received tacit support…reports Asian Lite News

India will once again push for the use of English as one of the main working languages of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which uses Mandarin and Russian as its official language, according to sources.

The Indian initiative to introduce English as a working language has received tacit support according to sources. “This is something that has been emphasized a lot by other members too and there is a common understanding emerging,” the sources said.

Russian and Mandarin are presently used as official and working languages in SCO. The group’s documents are also prepared in these two languages. Besides Russia and China, four Central Asian states are among the founder members of SCO and Russian is widely spoken and written.

India is currently hosting a two-day-long SCO CFM in Goa with the most important work before the SCO Foreign Ministers will be to assess the status of decisions that will be approved at the SCO Summit in New Delhi in July.

With a focus on the regional, defence and political issue, India got the chairmanship of the grouping last year at the Samarkand summit and is hosting key ministerial meetings in the run-up to the SCO summit in July.

With its Secretariat in Beijing, the SCO comprises of eight member states, including India and Pakistan, China and Russia and the Central Asian states Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

This is the first time that India has assumed the Presidency of SCO, after joining the Organisation in 2017, as a full Member State.

India took over the Presidency of SCO from Uzbekistan after the SCO Samarkand Summit on 17 September 2022.

The period of India’s presidency will culminate in the SCO Heads of State Summit which is scheduled in July in New Delhi.

“Focus on pushing English as a language other than Russian and Chinese remains during the SCO meet. This is something that has been emphasized a lot with the other members. India will lead two Working groups Innovation and startups and traditional medicine,” sources told ANI.

The theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘Secure-SCO’. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization established in 2001.

MEA Secretary Dammu Ravi, who is also in Goa, said the Foriegn Ministers’ meeting in Goa will also give an opportunity to discuss the state of multilateral cooperation in SCO, regional and global issues of interest, reform and modernization of the Organisation and the progress of admitting Iran and Belarus to the SCO as new Member States.

Currently, eight countries enjoy the status of the SCO full members: India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan; four countries — Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia — have an observer status with the SCO, and six countries — Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka — have a dialogue partner status.

The last meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. (By Ayushi Agarwal/ANI)

ALSO READ: India hosts cultural evening for SCO counterparts

Categories
-Top News ASEAN News India News

Pak Defence Minister to skip SCO meet in Delhi

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.(photo: facebook.com/khawajamuhammad.asifmna.3)

The two-day meeting of the SCO Defence Ministers will kick off on April 27 in the Indian capital….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will attend the meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers virtually while skipping attending the event in person at a time when his counterparts from China and Russia will be in New Delhi this week, media reports said.

The two-day meeting of the SCO Defence Ministers will kick off on April 27 in the Indian capital.

India had invited the Pakistani Defence Minister as well as other SCO members for the meeting. However, Asif will join the meeting via video link, according to official sources, Express Tribune reported.

India is currently the President of SCO and is holding a series of events this year that would culminate with the summit in July.

SCO comprises China, Russia, India, Pakistan and four Central Asian States. India and Pakistan were admitted full members of the regional grouping in 2017. Despite tensions, both sides attended SCO events including joint counter-terrorism drills by member states.

The decision to send Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa in May was seen as surprising.

Given the current state of the relationship, many were expecting either Pakistan would downgrade its participation or the minister would attend the conference virtually, Express Tribune reported.

If Bilawal Bhutto’s visit goes without any major hiccup, there is a possibility that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may travel to New Delhi in July for the summit meeting, Express Tribune reported.

Though no one is confirming, the visit of Pakistani Foreign Minister is seen as a result of some back-channel efforts. It is believed that common friends of India and Pakistan wanted Bilawal Bhutto to travel to India in an effort to break the ice, it added.

After intensive in-house debate, it was decided that Bilawal Bhutto would lead the Pakistan delegation. The meeting is scheduled for May 4 and 5 in the Indian tourist destination of Goa.

Bilawal Bhutto’s participation will likely overshadow the SCO meeting to be attended by Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers. This would be the first visit by Pakistan Foreign Minister to India since 2011. There is a possibility of courtesy call between him and his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the meeting, Express Tribune reported.

Observers believe that the visit of Bilawal Bhutto would be a challenge for both Pakistan and India given the likely media hype accompanying his trip.

ALSO READ: Pakistanis voice against Uyghur persecution in Xinjiang