Belarus calls on SCO, CSTO to sign cooperation agreement

We need to have an agreement on cooperation and mutual understanding between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said during a web-based meeting of the CSTO Council of Heads of Government, BelTA has learned.

Ensuring regional peace and stability, security of citizens is among the priority areas of cooperation with the SCO for Belarus. "Unfortunately, a number of states unceremoniously undermine the principles and agreements in the field of international security, which have been built for decades, in favor of their own interests. Afghanistan has become the most vivid example of the disastrous policy of imposing, by force, an alien development model on countries and of the dangerous consequences in the form of growing risks of terrorism, a surge in drug trafficking, and a humanitarian crisis. The political and economic potential of the SCO countries can play an important role in helping Afghanistan achieve internal peace and harmony, restore its economy," Roman Golovchenko said.

The SCO's role in minimizing threats and ensuring security in the region is increasing. "Being an observer state at the SCO and a full member of the CSTO, Belarus believes that there is a need to prepare a full-fledged agreement on cooperation and mutual understanding between the SCO and the CSTO. Such a document would take regional cooperation to a new level to combat security challenges and threats, and also to significantly increase the international influence of our two organizations,” the prime minister said.

Roman Golovchenko extended greetings to the participants of the meeting on the occasion of the SCO's 20th anniversary. “The history of the SCO and its current development demonstrate the huge creative potential of the organization for further building of the atmosphere of trust and political dialogue between nations with different historical backgrounds, mentality and cultural values to promote joint economic and humanitarian projects, new systems of cooperation that are in high demand today and are beneficial to all SCO members. The organization's commitment to the future was confirmed at the SCO Heads of State Council meeting held in September under the chairmanship of Tajikistan. Belarus welcomes the documents adopted at the meeting and is ready to get actively involved in their implementation,” he said.

The prime minister reiterated Belarus' priorities in the SCO. It is constructive interaction with partners to strengthen regional security, development of economic cooperation and deepening of humanitarian ties. Belarus is also interested in a more active participation in major projects and programs within the framework of the organization.