Posted: 24.01.2025 16:05:00

SCO Secretary General on Belarus’ initiatives in organisation

The SCO observer mission for the Presidential election in Belarus – headed by SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev – has arrived in Minsk today. The first event in the programme was a visit to the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research (BISR), where the SCO Secretary General spoke with journalists.

“In July 2024, Belarus became a full member of the SCO, and we are very happy about this,” he said. “Our organisation has gained an active and authoritative member state. The Republic of Belarus has been a SCO observer state for many years, but while still being an observer, the Belarusian side has made and continues to make interesting practical proposals for co-operation across various areas.”

As an example, Mr. Yermekbayev cited the SCO Culture Days, held as part of the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk International Festival of Arts.

“Belarus has put forward a range of other initiatives in the spheres of cultural and humanitarian liaisons, industrial co-operation, investment interaction and trade,” he stressed. “This year, a major BelAGRO exhibition is planned to be held, during which – if the relevant consent of the member states is obtained – the AGRO SCO exposition will be organised. There are also plans for the SCO’s participation in the Slavianski Bazaar.”

According to the SCO Secretary General, the SCO action plan has already been finalised and agreed upon at the level of all member states. This plan is based on the plan of the presiding state; this year it is the PRC.

“In total, more than 200 different events are planned this year, both official (meetings of ministers, chairs of committees, heads of various state bodies) and events initiated by the member states themselves. In accordance with the theme of the current year [sustainable development], which is also determined by the presiding state, all countries try to hold events in the field of sustainable development. But this theme is broad, also encompassing green energy, poverty reduction, education, and healthcare,” Mr. Yermekbayev added.