The latest exercise has established a new model for joint live drills by relevant agencies and enhanced the joint operational capabilities of the SCO member states’ authorities….reports Asian Lite News
Authorities from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states have conducted the “Interaction-2024” joint counter-terrorism exercise in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.
The exercise marks the first time the relevant agencies from all SCO member states have participated in a joint counter-terrorism live drill, Xinhua news agency reported.
In response to significant terrorist threats, the exercise included specialised operations such as “the eradication of terrorist groups.”
Representatives from SCO member states, the SCO Secretariat, and the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure observed the exercise.
The SCO member states have a long history of effective cooperation in counter-terrorism. The latest exercise has established a new model for joint live drills by relevant agencies and enhanced the joint operational capabilities of the SCO member states’ authorities.
Stating that Kazakhstan has also carried forward the spirit of that Joint Statement, Jaishankar also laid emphasis on the importance of implementation of these statements…reports Asian Lite News
Stating that terrorism is a major challenge faced by the world today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has to play a major role in the region’s security.
In an interview with Kazinform News Agency in Astana, Kazakhstan, the EAM said that SCO’s priority is to fight against the three evils — Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism.
“There is no doubt that the major challenge faced by the world today is terrorism. It has become a threat to regional and global peace, and it demands urgent action from all of us. In this aspect, I am happy that Kazakhstan during their Chairmanship have negotiated an updated program to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which was adopted in Astana Summit,” he said.
“Fight against the three evils- Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism- is a priority in SCO,” EAM Jaishankar added.
He further said that some joint statements were adopted on theme during India’s presidency of SCO last year.
Stating that Kazakhstan has also carried forward the spirit of that Joint Statement, Jaishankar also laid emphasis on the importance of implementation of these statements.
“During the New Delhi Summit last year, one of the two Joint Statements adopted was on ‘Countering Radicalization leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’. The statements included various elements of radicalization — including ideology, media campaigns, as well as radical and terrorist content on internet,” the Foreign Minister said.
“Kazakhstan, during their Chairmanship, carried forward the spirit of that Joint Statement. The updated program to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism is critical and timely. But I want to emphasize that what is more important is the actual implementation of the program that we have now successfully drawn up, which includes unambiguous commitment by all the Member States in getting rid of all forms and manifestations of terrorism in the region, including cross-border terrorism,” he further stated.
Jaishankar, represented India at the SCO Council of Heads of State (SCO Summit) held under Kazakhstan’s Presidency in Astana.
He delivered remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The EAM also held several bilateral meetings and engagements with counterparts and other global leaders.
Emphasising SCO’s role in the region’s security, Jaishankar said SCO as an organization should be allowed to fully utilize its potential, and also highlighted the theme of SCO Summit ‘Towards a SECURE SCO’ in 2023 under India’s presidency.
“In fact, India’s priorities for the Chairmanship last year were on the theme ‘Towards a SECURE SCO’ — with SECURE being an acronym which stands for Security, Economic cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environment,” the Foreign Minister said.
“When we say regional security in the context of SCO, the most important issues that stand out is terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Today, after decades of taking measures against terrorism in global forums, including through the UNSC, terrorism continues to be a threat to the region. The UN designated terror outfits are still functioning in the region,” he added.
He further said that combating terrorism requires a very comprehensive approach, not just against the perpetrators of heinous acts of terrorism, but also against the facilitators, financiers and sponsors of terrorism.
“They all need to be identified and punished,” he said.
Jaishankar said Regional Anti-Terrrorist Structure (RATS) has a reasonable standing to propose measures against terrorism in the region.
“We stand ready to strengthen SCO mechanisms in this front. I hope that the proposed Universal Centre to be established within the RATS in Tashkent, along with the other specialized centers under the Universal Centre, will grow to become foremost anti-terrorist structure in the region,” he said.
Stressing on the need to build consensus, the Foreign Minister said any security related initiative or paradigm should be formulated taking into consideration territorial integrity and sovereignty of all the countries that will be involved
The Foreign Minister also elaborated on the threat of drug trafficking. He said there is a consensus on the establishment of Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and along with Universal Centre, it will be an effective weapon to combat drug trafficking.
“Drug Trafficking is another issue that we need to combat together, and is very closely related to two other issues in the region — terrorism and stability in Afghanistan. There is a consensus on the establishment of Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe. This is a welcome move and is much needed. The Anti-Drug Centre, together with the proposed Universal Centre, will be an effective weapon in combating drug trafficking,” Jaishankar said. (ANI)
PM Modi stated the need for developing connectivity, while also emphasising that respect for “sovereignty and territorial integrity” is also essential…reports Asian Lite News
Stating that the 21st century is the century of technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasized the need to make technology creative and apply it for the welfare of societies.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that India’s commitment to ‘AI for All’ is also reflected in working within the SCO framework on a Roadmap on AI cooperation.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered these remarks on behalf of PM Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State (SCO Summit) being held under Kazakhstan’s Presidency in Astana.
“Delivered India’s statement at the Summit of SCO Council of Heads of States on behalf of PM Shri @narendramodi ji.Thank the leaders present for conveying their best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election for a third successive term,” Jaishankar posted on X.
“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. Our commitment to ‘AI for All’ is also reflected in working within the SCO framework on a Roadmap on AI cooperation,” he remarked.
PM Modi stated the need for developing connectivity, while also emphasising that respect for “sovereignty and territorial integrity” is also essential.
“Economic development requires robust connectivity. That can also pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies. 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 said.
This was a veiled attack on Pakistan, China and their China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a USD 50 billion Pakistani component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The 3,000 km Chinese infrastructure network project is under construction in Pakistan and aims to connect Pakistan’s Gwadar and Karachi ports to China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region by land.
India has raised its objections multiple times, over the corridor that passes through various parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Further, in his remarks at the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Modi recalled the deep civilizational ties between India and Central Asia, and said that New Delhi has prioritised the interests and aspirations of the region.
Highlighting India’s focus on people-centric cooperation, PM Modi pointed to events like SCO Millet Food Festival, the SCO Film Festival, and the International Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage, that were held under India’s presidency last year.
“India shares deep civilizational ties with the people of this region. Recognizing the centrality of Central Asia to SCO, we have prioritized their interests and aspirations. It is reflected in greater exchanges, projects and activities with them,” PM Modi said.
“Cooperation in the SCO, for us, has been people-centric. India organized SCO Millet Food Festival, SCO Film Festival, SCO Surajkund Craft Mela, SCO Think-Tanks Conference, and International Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage during its presidency. We will naturally support similar endeavors by others,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi also appreciated that several events were hosted in the New Delhi Hall at the SCO Secretariat, including the 10th International Day of Yoga in 2024.
Reiterating India’s focus on the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, he congratulated Kazakhstan for successfully hosting the SCO Summit and also extended best wishes to China for hosting the summit next year. (ANI)
India’s delegation at the meeting is led by Dammu Ravi, Secretary, Economic Relations, at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)….reports Asian Lite News
Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) grouping met in Astana on Tuesday to discuss regional security issues and also finalise preparations for the upcoming Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State, slated to be held in the Kazakh capital in July.
India’s delegation at the meeting, which was opened by Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is led by Dammu Ravi, Secretary, Economic Relations, at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“The cooperation programme agreed with you on the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism is a concrete step in this direction. In turn, the completion of work on the SCO’s anti-narcotics strategy will strengthen mutual measures to combat the drug threat, including the blocking of terrorist financing channels,” Tokayev said in his opening remarks.
Foreign Ministers from Russia (Sergei Lavrov), China (Wang Yi), Kazakhstan (Murat Nurtileu), Kyrgyzstan (Jeenbek Kulubayev), Uzbekistan (Bakhtiyor Saidov), Belarus (Sergey Aleynik), Tajikistan (Sirojiddin Muhriddin), Pakistan (Ishaq Dar) along with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran (Mehdi Safari), Secretary General of the SCO Zhang Ming, Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure Ruslan Mirzayev also participated in the meeting.
Meanwhile, Ravi has held a series of meetings, including with Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Rudenko and senior officials of the Kazakhstan government since he arrived in the country on Monday.
“An exchange of views took place on a wide range of bilateral and international issues, with an emphasis on interaction in the UN, BRICS and SCO. The focus on further strengthening the versatile India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership was confirmed,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement after the Astana meeting.
Speaking further about the bloc, the envoy also believed that it is one of the tools that will help countries to not only follow the rules made by the Western countries…reports Asian Lite News
Belarus which is set to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) by 2024 says that it relies on the cooperation within the organization from the member states and that it had the same vision in developing the organization even while being an observer.
The Belarusian envoy to India Andrei Rzheussky stressed how powerful and promising the Bloc is and how it will help to unite the developing nations.
“India hosted this summit virtually on July 4. Our President also participated in this summit and during the summit, a memorandum of commitment was signed by all member states. We are in the process of our Parliament adopting all treaties which is necessary for becoming a full-fledged member of the SCO. As our President said, we hope to become a member of SCO shortly,” said the Envoy.
“As our president mentioned that we hope that very shortly, we will become a full-fledged member of this organization because we rely on a huge cooperation in this organization. And we have some vision, of how to develop this organization, even when we were in different capacities like observers or partners. We also participated in this activity and proposed a lot of projects, which were adopted and unanimously greeted by member states”, he added.
New Delhi, July 04 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi at SCO Summit via video conferencing, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and others also seen. (ANI Photo)
Earlier in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the SCO Summit virtually where he said that Iran is going to join as a new member of the organization. He also welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Obligation for the SCO membership of Belarus.
“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. Also, we welcome the signing of the memorandum of obligation for Belarus’ SCO membership,” PM Modi said at the summit then.
Speaking further about the bloc, the envoy also believed that it is one of the tools that will help countries to not only follow the rules made by the Western countries.
“I can just quote our President saying that SCO is a very powerful and very promising organization and it will help to unite the developing nations which can make something different. It’s one of the tools which can help countries to not only follow the rules of Western countries”, said the envoy.
Currently, SCO has Russia, India, China, Pakistan and four Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its members. Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at its 23rd leaders’ summit, hosted virtually by India as chairman of the grouping.
The SCO has mainly focused its fight against regional security issues, regional terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism. To date, the SCO’s priorities have also included regional development.
The last meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. India took over the rotating presidency of the SCO at the Samarkand SCO Summit in 2022. (ANI)
In both the SCO and the G20, Prime Minister Modi has made certain that India would play with a straight bat, and be fair and respectful of the rights of all, writes Prof. Madhav Das Nalapat
When opinions were informally sought about whether the 2023 SCO Summit chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be held in physical or virtual format, the loudest voice in favour of the latter came from Beijing. Soundings in that capital indicate that the Chinese side had been working behind the scenes to persuade members to opt for the virtual format, as this was seen as being less attention-grabbing by world media than physical attendance by the leaders at the summit meeting.
New Delhi has shown itself capable of hosting summit-level meetings with ease and precision, and the switch to a virtual format did nothing to reduce the significance of the 2023 SCO Summit. Attention was centred on Russian President Vladimir Putin as to whether the leader who was now under siege from NATO would please the Chinese side by offering only a perfunctory “Thank You” to the Summit host, PM Modi.
Instead, in the presence of Xi Jinping, who seemed less than comfortable at the warmth of Putin’s remarks, the Russian President was straightforward and indeed effusive in expressing his appreciation for the way in which 2023 SCO Chairperson Modi had ensured that the organisation was bequeathed a novel and comprehensive agenda focused not just on members of the SCO but very substantially the Global South as well, a zone whose interests have been championed from the start of his tenure by SCO Chairperson Modi.
More than the visible, especially formal, diplomacy, what needs to be watched in the context of deciphering the intentions of the CCP leadership helmed by General Secretary Xi are the off-the-record, informal views expressed by Chinese diplomats to “friendly” foreign counterparts in non-western capitals.
Soundings indicate that the primary (albeit private) message disseminated by Beijing within the membership of key players within the Global South was that India had joined Japan, Germany and the UK in lockstep “following the US line on policy”, diplomatese about commitment to multilateralism notwithstanding. There was particular angst in an important SCO capital at the red carpet welcome given to PM Modi during his recent State Visit to the US.
A particular object of concern was the agreements on technology and defence cooperation signed during the visit. The worry in Beijing and Moscow was that such an event marked the start of substantial collaboration between the US and India in the joint development and production of technology platforms, including those pertaining to the military. After the visit, the informal messaging from Beijing was that India had surrendered the freedom of action it had during the Good Old Days (although not usually for India) of Non-Alignment, and that Delhi was now following cues from Washington in the way that London, Tokyo and Berlin were doing.
INDIA RETAINS FREEDOM OF ACTION
India, while certainly a partner of the US, especially in matters relating to the Indo-Pacific, nevertheless retains freedom of action. This was made clear at Prime Minister Modi’s speech at the SCO Summit. It was clear in the warmth of the support shown by Modi to the entry of Iran into the SCO, alongside his consistent support for that country’s membership in the SCO from the start of discussions about including Tehran within the SCO. The welcome by PM Modi to President Ibrahim Raisi showed that the diplomats of a particular member of the SCO who were privately deriding India as a “camp follower” of the US were either being economical with the truth, or they had misread India in this matter just as the CCP had in so many other ways in the past. Such misreading of signals from India in Beijing multiplied after 2014, when a transformation got initiated in both foreign and domestic policy with the swearing-in Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.
While both Xi and Putin used the SCO Summit to launch open or veiled broadsides against the US, such as Xi’s reference to “colour revolutions”, Prime Minister Modi remained focused on the collective SCO mandate of improving relations within the group so as to better promote the objective of economic growth and a clean environment. He refused to join in efforts at converting the SCO into an anti-Western grouping. The Chairperson’s moderate approach privately found favour with the Central Asian members of the group, who are unhappy at pressure exerted on them to distance themselves from the Atlantic Alliance.
The presence of India in the SCO has ensured that efforts at tethering the group to Beijing’s side in the era of Cold War 2.0 has not succeeded. In much the same way, the presence of India as 2023 Chair of the G20 has ensured the prevention of the efforts being made by some NATO member-countries to return the globe to the era of Cold War 1.0. In both the SCO as well as the G20, Prime Minister Modi made certain that India would play with a straight bat, and be fair and respectful of the rights of all. Such courtesy was extended even to those countries that were hostile to the success of the world’s most populous democracy.
The continuing influence of Cold War 1.0 warriors within the US and its transcontinental allies has resulted in NATO ignoring the reality of the US-USSR Cold War having been superseded by Cold War 2.0 (in which China has replaced Russia as the principal protagonist). The obsession by Cold War 1.0 warriors with Russia has resulted in a reversion of Atlanticist attention back towards issues relating solely to Europe, thereby losing sight of the need for reconfiguring resources and strategy to counter a country that poses a challenge entirely different from that which was faced by the western democracies during the 1945-91 Cold War 1.0 era. The war in Ukraine has been a boon to China, which to its benefit is witnessing both NATO and Russia slugging it out in a quagmire that is causing economic and other human distress worldwide.
A weakened Moscow will be much more susceptible to guidance from Beijing than a strong Russia. An example of the way in which Russia’s freedom of action has been curtailed by its “no limits” partner in Asia is the manner in which the Kremlin asked India to use (of all currencies) the Chinese RMB in the payments made for Russian oil. In contrast, more than 80% of the (much larger) petroproduct trade between Russia and China is either in RMB or in Russian roubles. Had the same yardstick been allowed to have been used in the case of India and a rupee-rouble trade established, Russia could have used the Indian rupees it would thereby accumulate to set up refineries and other manufacturing plants in India that would have enabled Russia to significantly expand its overseas trade.
Such an outcome would have come about even if only 50% (rather than the 80% RMB-rouble trade between China and Russia) of Indo-Russian trade was in rupees and roubles. Of course, such an economic windfall to Russia and India would not be to the liking of Beijing, which has emerged as the Tertius Gaudens (Golden Third Party) in the NATO-Russia slugfest. From the start of the conflict, Prime Minister Modi has called for an immediate end to the Russia-Ukraine war, an eventuality towards which India with its nuanced diplomacy has the capability to play a catalytic role. The circumstances for such diplomacy will arise once the Cold War 1.0 warriors in Washington, Berlin and London are shown to be as unmindful of current threats as their counterparts were throughout the 1930s in Europe.
An immediate ceasefire between both sides and the setting up of a Line of Control separating the two can resolve the conflict, but that is possible only after Cold War 1.0 believers are stopped from the impossible task of seeking the return to control by Kiev of all the territory lost to it since 2014. Prime Minister Modi drew pointed attention at the 4 July Summit at the grievous damage being caused to the global economy as a consequence of the prolongation of the Russia-Ukraine war. The rift between the pair within the SCO who back extremism and the rest who oppose it, was diplomatically conveyed by Chairperson Modi at the Summit, as for instance when he said that India stands with “most” members on Afghanistan. It was clear which pair he was referring to when he pointedly used the word “most SCO countries”, while mentioning what India’s stand on that tortured country was.
END TO UKRAINE CONFLICT NEEDED
In September, should the key G20 members come to Delhi for the summit chaired by Prime Minister Modi, a start could be made in private meetings in Delhi towards a realistic resolution of the present conflict that leaves both Ukraine and Russia without securing their maximalist demands, but ends a war that carries the constant risk of careening out of control. Given his close and separate relationship with both Biden and Putin, it could be Modi who may finally succeed in ending the Russia-Ukraine war and thereby returning Europe to its peacetime past. Clean growth, peacebuilding and establishing a Zero Tolerance stance towards terrorism were among the key points stressed by 2023 SCO Chairperson Modi.
The Central Asian republics in particular are each battling extremist elements, the removal of which is sought both by Russia and India. In contrast, China has long been following a policy of giving substantial support to the Pakistan military and its terror auxiliaries. The contradiction between such a policy and the overall interests of the SCO were gently stressed by PM Modi in his opening remarks at the Summit. The link of Pakistan to terror came out in full view when Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif made disapproving comments about the references to terror by Conference Chairperson Modi, a Freudian slip given that no country had been named by the Prime Minister.
2023 has been a challenging year for India, but as a consequence, the country has shown that it can play the role of a fair and capable intermediary in several matters where joint action by geopolitical adversaries is needed. At the SCO Summit, this quality was on display, and as a consequence, not just the 4 July Summit but the entire year has proceeded at a steady, balanced pace. This is the best rationale for India remaining within the SCO, while the country strengthens ties with the G7 and with not just the G20 but the G200, representing the Global South. India’s performance in its joint leadership during 2023 of the G20 and the SCO has shown just why the UNSC as currently constituted is in need of serious reform if it is to be rescued from its present state of paralysis and name-calling.
Kazakhstan is set to take over the chairmanship of the SCO from July 2023 until July 2024, following the SCO summit under Indian Presidency on July 4….reports Asian Lite News
The Border Security Force (BSF) of India, on Wednesday, participated in the 9th meeting of the heads of border authorities of the competent bodies of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kazakhstan.
Taking to Twitter, BSF said, “Indian Delegation led by Director General, Border Security Force of India participated in the 9th Meeting of the Heads of Border Authorities of the Competent Bodies of the member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on 5th July 2023 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.”
Notably, Kazakhstan is set to take over the chairmanship of the SCO from July 2023 until July 2024, following the SCO summit under Indian Presidency on July 4.
Yesterday, the leaders of the SCO Member States held the meeting of the Council of Heads of State in video conference format and the member countries called for greater effectiveness of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a key platform for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the regulations of the multilateral trading system,” the Ministry of External Addairs said in their release.
However, they emphasized the need for early implementation of an inclusive reform of the organization, focusing on the issues of its development and adaptation to modern economic realities, as well as, effective implementation of the functions of monitoring, negotiation and settlement of disputes.
The Member States affirm the significance of further improving and reforming the architecture of global economic governance and will consistently advocate and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and rules.
It will promote the development of an open world economy, ensure equitable market access, and oppose protectionist measures and trade restrictions contrary to the WTO principles that undermine the multilateral trading system and threaten the global economy.
They later stressed that the unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those approved by the UN Security Council is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations.
“Reaffirming their support for China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) initiative, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan note the ongoing work to jointly implement this project, including efforts to link the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union and BRI,” the release said.
The Member States agreed to declare 2024 as the SCO Year of Environment and noted the importance of cooperation in the field of environmental protection, ecological security and prevention of the negative consequences of climate change, development of specially protected nature reserves and eco-tourism. (ANI)
President Tokayev outlined priorities of strategic importance under Kazakhstan’s upcoming chairmanship of the SCO….reports Asian Lite News
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday called for strengthening energy cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which includes Russia, China and India.
In a virtual summit, under India’s presidency, the Kazakh President said that the country is ready to host an SCO energy forum and proposed developing a joint energy strategy for the organisation over the next year, the Kazakh government said in a release. He further stated that the SCO is a successful multilateral association with significant international authority, accounting for a quarter of the global GDP and more than 15 per cent of international trade.
President Tokayev outlined priorities of strategic importance under Kazakhstan’s upcoming chairmanship of the SCO.
The first one is ensuring security and stability in the SCO space, in which the President suggested that the main task of the SCO countries should be to prevent a geopolitical rift between East and West. Under the framework of its chairmanship, Kazakhstan will present the initiative “On world unity for a just peace and harmony.”
Highlighting the fight against the “three forces of evil” – transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, Tokayev said that these will remain a priority during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship.
He also proposed to update the Program of Cooperation on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism for 2025-2027 and adopt the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029 and the Action Program for its implementation.
Secondly, the expansion of trade and economic ties, where the President said that the Council of Heads of Government should consider the possibility of creating a joint Investment Fund and make proposals on this project.
“An effective platform for stimulating direct and portfolio investments in regional SCO projects can be the Astana International Financial Centre,” the statement read.
Another point is strengthening energy cooperation where President is ready to hold the SCO Energy Forum.
The fourth point was the expansion of cooperation in the digital sphere. In this, the President emphasised that the systematic reduction of the digital divide should become a priority in the activities of the SCO.
The fifth point is to Strengthen cooperation in the field of ecology. He said that it is necessary to establish partnership relations between the SCO and the UN Environment Program. Also, it is important to develop an agreement on cooperation in the field of environmental protection.
And the last point was the development of cultural and humanitarian ties, in which the President proposed to declare the city of Almaty the tourist and cultural capital of the SCO, under its presidency.
It is proposed to launch the SCO Spiritual Sanctuaries project. In Kazakhstan, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi is a world-significance shrine.
SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organisation. It is the world’s largest regional organisation in terms of geographic scope and population, covering approximately 60 per cent of the area of Eurasia, and 40 per cent of the world population.
It was founded in June 2001 in Shanghai by China, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who chaired the SCO summit, said, “The situation in Afghanistan has directly impacted the security of all of us…reports Asian Lite News
Expressing concern about the situation in Afghanistan, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO) called for an establishment of inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society and pledged to continue to assist the Afghan people.
The member countries adopted New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Tuesday. Notably, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit concluded on Tuesday under India’s presidency with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually chairing the meeting of head of states.
The SCO Member States called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan and stated that “the group consider it essential to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who chaired the SCO summit, said, “The situation in Afghanistan has directly impacted the security of all of us. India’s concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan are similar to those of most of the SCO countries. We must come together to strive for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan.”
“Humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens; the formation of an inclusive government; the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking; and ensuring the rights of women, children, and minorities are our shared priorities,” he said.
“Between the people of India and Afghanistan, there have been centuries-old friendly relations. In the past two decades, we have contributed to the economic and social development of Afghanistan. Even after the events of 2021, we continued to provide humanitarian assistance,” PM Modi added.
“The Member States believe that one of the most important factors in the preservation and strengthening of safety and stability within the SCO region is the early settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They advocate building Afghanistan as an independent, neutral, united, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs,” the joint decalaration said.
They further stressed the importance of long-term hospitality and effective assistance provided to Afghan refugees by regional and neighbouring countries of Afghanistan. The Member States consider important, the active efforts of the international community to facilitate their dignified, safe and sustainable return to their homeland.
However, “the member states stressed the historical significance of the admission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the SCO as a full Member State. They also noted the importance of signing the Memorandum of Obligations by the Republic of Belarus to achieve the status of an SCO Member State,” the release added.
The Member States highly appreciated the outcomes of India’s presidency of the SCO in 2022-2023 which has contributed to the further development of multi-faceted and mutually beneficial cooperation.
“They further called for greater effectiveness of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a key platform for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the regulations of the multilateral trading system,” the official release said. However, they emphasized the need for early implementation of an inclusive reform of the organization, focusing on the issues of its development and adaptation to modern economic realities, as well as, effective implementation of the functions of monitoring, negotiation and settlement of disputes. (ANI)
New Delhi, July 04 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi at SCO Summit via video conferencing, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and others also seen. (ANI Photo)
SCO member states also noted the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of states under the pretext of countering terrorism and extremism…reports Asian Lite News
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members reaffirmed strong commitment to fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism, including the elimination of sleeper cells and places used as ‘safe havens’ for terrorists, stated the New Delhi Declaration after the conclusion of the summit under India’s presidency.
The SCO summit concluded under India’s presidency earlier in the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state of other SCO nations virtually participated in the event. India assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO at the Samarkand Summit of SCO on September 16 last year. The theme of India’s Chairmanship of SCO in 2023 is ‘SECURE-SCO’.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Delhi Declaration stated, “Reaffirming their strong commitment to fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism, the Member States are determined to continue taking active measures to eliminate the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, to disrupt the terror financing channels, to suppress recruitment activities and cross-border movement of terrorists, to counter extremism, and radicalization of youth, the dissemination of terrorist ideology, as well as to eliminate “sleeper cells” and places used as terrorist safe havens”.
The SCO member states also noted the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of states under the pretext of countering terrorism and extremism, as well as unacceptability of using terrorist, extremist and radical groups for mercenary goals.
The member states consider it important to build up joint coordinated efforts by the international community to counter the attempts to involve young people in the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups.
“The Member States note the effective activities of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in promoting cooperation between competent authorities in countering terrorism, separatism and extremism, including the implementation of the relevant Program for 2022-2024. The importance of implementing practical measures aimed at expanding its capabilities to strengthen cooperation in these areas was emphasized,” the declaration stated.
It added, “Subject to their national laws and on the basis of consensus, the Member States will seek to develop common principles and approaches to form a unified list of terrorist, separatist and extremist organizations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the SCO Member States”.
The Member States emphasize a key role of the UN in countering threats in the information space, creating a safe, fair and open information space built on the principles of respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
The member states categorically opposed the militarization of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
“They support development of universal rules, principles and norms of responsible behavior of states in this area, and in particular, welcome the development under the auspices of the UN of a comprehensive international convention against the use of ICT for criminal purposes. The Member States will continue cooperation within the framework of specialized negotiating mechanisms at the UN and other international platforms,” the declaration stated.
It added, “The Member States have expressed their concern about the growing threats posed by increased production, trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs and using the proceeds of illicit drug-trafficking as a source of funding for terrorism. They stressed the need for a joint and balanced approach to countering trafficking of illicit drugs and their precursors, and noted the importance of implementing the international drug control conventions and other relevant legal regulatory instruments”.
🎙 President Vladimir #Putin at the #SCO Heads of State Council meeting:
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The Member States also focussed on the illicit drug trafficking and their non-medical consumption posing threat to international and regional security and stability, sustainable economic development of states, health and well-being of people, as well as the exercise of fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Emphasizing the importance of consolidating forces in the fight against illicit drug-trafficking and wide cooperation in this area, the member states will continue implementing the SCO ‘Anti-Drug Strategy’ for 2018-2023 and Action Plan for its implementation.
The Member States intend to further conduct joint anti-drug operations on a regular basis.
According to the Ministry, the SCO member states also focussed on continuation of the nuclear disarmament process mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
“The Member States that are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons are in favour of strict observance of the provisions of the Treaty, the comprehensive balanced promotion of all the goals and principles fixed therein, strengthening of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, continuation of the nuclear disarmament process, as well as the promotion of an equitable, mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes,” the release stated.
It added, “The Member States stand for responding to global and regional security challenges and threats through political and diplomatic means on a multilateral basis and will strengthen cooperation and actively promote the multilateral arms control, disarmament and non- proliferation process, including efforts within the framework of the Conference on Disarmament”.
The Member States advocated keeping outer space free of weapons of any kind and state the importance of strict observance of existing legal regime, which provides for solely peaceful use of outer space.
They emphasized the need to conclude an international legally- binding document that would enhance transparency and provide reliable guarantees to prevent an arms race and not be the first to deploy weapons in outer space.
The SCO member states also emphasised the importance of the Convention on Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BTWC) as one of pillars of the global security architecture.
“They emphasized the need for strict adherence to the BTWC, in particular, through adoption of a Protocol to the Convention which provides for an effective verification mechanism. They oppose creating any mechanisms duplicating the BTWC functions, including those that fall within the mandate of the UN Security Council,” the Ministry stated in the declaration.
The Member States called out for full compliance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) as an effective instrument in disarmament and non-proliferation.
"There should be no double standards on terrorism," PM Modi at SCO summit
The SCO member states also emphasized the significance of early destruction of all declared stockpiles of chemical weapons. The Member States reaffirm their support for Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and advocate for concerted decisions to bridge divisions within the Organization, ensure its integrity and operate effectively under the Convention.
“The Member States also consider the sustainable implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan on the Iranian nuclear program to be important and, in accordance with Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council, urge all the participants to strictly fulfill their obligations for comprehensive and effective implementation of the document,” the Ministry stated in the declaration. (ANI)
