Lukashenko arrived at Samarkand Congress Centre for SCO summit

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, has arrived at the Congress Centre to participate in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation in an expanded format, BelTA reports

photo: www.nova24.uz

The meeting has already been held in a narrow format – with participation of the SCO members: China, Russia, India, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The parties exchanged views on topical regional and international issues in the context of development of the political and economic situation in the region.

The expanded format involves participation of the heads of observer states, including Belarus, and honorary guests. In his speech, Aleksandr Lukashenko will voice the priorities of Belarus' co-operation in the SCO format, including taking into account the previously submitted bid for the country's accession to this organisation as a full member. Topical issues on the international agenda will also be in focus.