Kazakhstan, having assumed the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in July last year, has been instrumental in enhancing regional cooperation. Over the past year, the country has organized more than 140 activities and consultations in preparation for the upcoming SCO Summit on July 3-4 in Astana.
The summit is poised to be a historic moment for both the SCO and Kazakhstan. One of the key outcomes expected is the admission of Belarus as the 10th member of the organization, reflecting the SCO’s growing influence and reach.
Apart from expansion, the summit will address pressing regional and international issues amid a turbulent geopolitical and economic landscape. In a world facing increasing challenges, the SCO has steadfastly maintained its role as a comprehensive cooperation organization, focusing on fostering development, peace, and stability in the region.
Despite external attempts to draw the SCO into disputes, the organization has consistently adhered to a balanced stance. Security remains one of its top priorities, and member states will engage in discussions to offer valuable insights on combating shared challenges such as terrorism, separatism, extremism, cyberattacks, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
Following the summit, the SCO presidency will transition from Kazakhstan to China. Kazakhstan looks forward to continuing the momentum of cooperation and advancing the consensus and results achieved during China’s leadership.
Kazakhstan holds a special place in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as its birthplace and a significant partner. In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the Silk Road Economic Belt—the overland component of the BRI—in Astana. Over two decades, the SCO has evolved into an influential regional organization, and many of its member states collaborate with China under the BRI framework, making the SCO a vital platform for joint development.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has repeatedly affirmed the country’s support for the BRI, expressing readiness for further cooperation. For Kazakhstan, a landlocked nation at the heart of Eurasia, the BRI presents strategic opportunities. By leveraging its unique position connecting East and West, North and South, Kazakhstan aims to harness transit transportation to spur economic development.
As the SCO Summit approaches, the strengthened partnership between Kazakhstan and China is set to elevate regional collaboration to new heights, fostering prosperity and stability across Asia.
Reference(s):
China-Kazakhstan partnership takes SCO collaboration to a new height
cgtn.com
