Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a key force for global stability at a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The SCO, founded in 2001, has expanded to include India, Iran, and Pakistan as a counterweight to Western influence. Putin described the organization as a pillar of a fair, multipolar world order and emphasized that their cooperation is not directed against anyone but serves the interests of their people.
During the summit, both leaders highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Russia and China and discussed further development plans. They believe that the U.S.-dominated post-Cold War era is coming to an end, with the U.S. viewing China as a major competitor and Russia as a threat. This attitude contrasts with Putin and Xi’s beliefs in a friendship-based international order.
In addition to their meetings, Xi and Putin discussed the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route as an economic initiative linking Southeast Asia and China to Europe via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and other countries. The route serves as an alternative to traditional land transit through Russia.
The summit aimed to address external security threats such as drug trafficking and promote common approaches to maintaining stability. The participation of leaders from countries like Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia highlights the SCO’s growing influence in the region. The attendance of the United Nations Secretary-General and the debut of Belarus as a full member underscore the SCO’s importance on the global stage.
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