Opinion: it is prestigious for Belarus to be in company of strong powers

Belarus is a member of many integration associations, such as the CIS, the Union State, the EAEU, and the CSTO. At present, the country plans to enjoy full membership in the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation – so that to have this high status by the SCO next summit in India. A Doctor of Economics and Professor of the Belarusian State University, Valery Bainev, comments on the importance of this step for the country.

“Our Western ‘friends’ think that they are free to punish or pardon anyone. However, it has turned out that they are far from being the best part of humanity. That is why such great powers as China, Russia and India are rising today. The presence of Belarus in this company, through the SCO membership, is important. We are joining this global organisation with our products and technologies, and this will bring significant mutual economic benefits to the parties. In addition, it is prestigious for us to be in such a company of strong powers: it is impossible to stand ground and survive alone. This primarily envisages economic and technological independence, and national security as a result. As you know, sales markets are very important for Belarus, which has an open economy. Our goods enjoy demand around the world. It is no secret that the future lies with Shanghai Co-operation Organisation,” Mr. Bainev said.

At the moment, the SCO members include India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran and Belarus are in the process of joining the organisation. The SCO further expansion is an important issue now. At its summit in Samarkand in September 2022, a memorandum on Iran's obligations was signed, and a decision was made to start the procedure for Belarus' admission to the SCO membership. Memoranda were also signed on granting the SCO dialogue partner status to three countries: Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia (completing the legal formalisation of their participation in the SCO in this format). It was agreed to grant the observer state status to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nepal, and Cambodia, and also to grant dialogue partner status to Bahrain, Maldives, Myanmar, and Syria. As it became known, Turkiye intends to become a member of the SCO in the future.