Łukašenka reiterates willingness to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization

September 15, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka has reiterated Belarus’ willingness to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Belarusian leader’s press service reports.

“Working as an observer in the organization, we decided that it was time for us to become a full member of our ‘Shanghai family,’” he told SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming in Samarkand on September 15.

“I know that you have supported and continue to support us on this path. We are very grateful to you for that,” he said.

According to him, Belarus’ political, economic and even “military-political” future may lay with the organization.

The SCO was established in 2001 and comprises eight Eurasian states: China, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia. Belarus has an observer status. In July 2022, media reported that it applied for membership in the organization.

SCO leaders are holding a summit meeting in Uzbekistan on September 15-16.