Foreign ministry explains why Belarus seeks to become SCO member state

Belarus consistently moved towards full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Head of the Main Directorate of Asia, Africa and Latin America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Igor Bely told BelTA’s YouTube channel.

According to Igor Bely, since its inception the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been mostly a political association dealing with regional problems. However, in recent years, the SCO has been increasingly used as a platform to resolve economic issues related to interbank cooperation, mutual settlements and the implementation of joint projects.

“Belarus consistently worked to achieve full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We were dialogue partners at first. Later our status was upgraded to an ‘observer state’. We have recently applied for full membership. As soon as we become a member state of the SCO, we will have access to all projects, all agreements, and also to ongoing bilateral and multilateral projects,” the diplomat explained.

Yet, interaction with the SCO is a two-way road, the diplomat noted. According to Igor Bely, Belarus is ready to offer its partners its transport and logistics potential, scientific expertise and knowledge, best solutions in manufacturing and agriculture.

As reported, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit was held in Samarkand on 15-16 September.  Belarus’ bid to join the SCO received unanimous support in terms of obtaining the status of a full member of the organization.