The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established in June 2001 with six founding members, has grown into a significant regional alliance comprising nine member states, three observers, and 14 dialogue partners. Together, these nations represent nearly half of the global population and occupy a quarter of the world’s land area.
In early July 2024, Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, will host the annual summit of the SCO Heads of State Council. This gathering is poised to further strengthen ties among member nations, with a spotlight on the burgeoning cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.
As founding members of the SCO, China and Kazakhstan have long recognized the mutual benefits of collaboration. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin emphasized this synergy during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Eurasia Expo in June. “Cooperation with China is an important factor in Kazakhstan’s sustainable development,” he stated, highlighting the pivotal role that bilateral relations play in the country’s progress.
The upcoming summit in Astana is expected to open new avenues for economic, political, and cultural cooperation, not only between China and Kazakhstan but also among all SCO member states. With the organization’s expanding influence, opportunities abound for investors, business professionals, and academics interested in the region’s dynamic growth.
As the world watches the developments leading up to the 2024 summit, the emphasis on collaboration underscores the importance of unity in addressing regional and global challenges. The SCO continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue and partnership, fostering stability and prosperity across Asia.
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Graphics: China-Kazakhstan cooperation full of opportunities
cgtn.com
