International relations - Belarus now a member of Shanghai Security Organization
Authoritarian Belarus (formerly White Russia) officially became a new member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an international security-focused organization. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Communist Party and State Council head Xi Jinping, and other leaders signed documents for Belarus' admission at the SCO summit in Astana. The President of the Central Asian Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is currently chairing the SCO, congratulated Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, who is widely regarded as the last dictator in Europe.
Putin had already held talks with several leaders upon his arrival in Astana on Wednesday, including Xi. According to Chinese state television, Xi reiterated his commitment to a peaceful resolution in the Ukraine conflict during their bilateral meeting. He confirmed the cooperation with Russia, which invaded its neighbor Ukraine nearly two years ago.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks with China as very successful. Both sides agreed that negotiations on the Ukraine conflict without Russia's involvement made no sense, according to Peskov on Russian state television. Russia was not invited to the peace summit initiated by Ukraine in the middle of June in Switzerland. China, which has proposed its own peace plan to end the war, also stayed away from the meeting.
Russia has been waging its invasion in Ukraine for over two years. Putin also held talks on his war in Ukraine with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who often acts as a mediator. Erdogan confirmed his invitation to Putin for a visit to Turkey. Turkey is not yet a member of the SCO. Putin, in the course of his war against Ukraine, has repeatedly stated his intention, in light of tensions with the West, to seek a new world order – without US hegemony.
The SCO, founded initially for counter-terrorism in 2001, includes India, Pakistan, Iran, and the Central Asian states of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Putin is unlikely to face criticism of his invasion of Ukraine within the Russia-friendly group. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not attending the summit and plans to visit Russia afterward, according to Russian reports.
- Alexander Lukashenko expressed his gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the warm welcome and the opportunity to join the SCO, highlighting Belarus' commitment to international relations and security.
- The inclusion of Belarus in the SCO has raised concerns in Europe, with many questioning the organization's dedication to democracy and human rights.
- During the summit, Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed various diplomatic issues, including the recent developments in Central Asia and the potential collaboration with China.
- The Ukrainian President's absence at the SCO summit marked a significant moment for international relations, as it highlighted the divisions and tensions in the region.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared their views on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, stressing the importance of a peaceful resolution.
- The leaders of Belarus, Russia, and China affirmed their cooperation in various areas, including energy and trade, pledging to strengthen the ties between their nations.
- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Alexander Lukashenko also discussed the security measures and the border control between their countries, emphasizing the need for cooperation in ensuring regional stability.
- The SCO leaders agreed to encourage the dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, hoping to find a long-term solution for the conflict and restore peace in the region.
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan's invitation to Vladimir Putin for a visit to Turkey marks a significant development in the complex web of international relations, as both countries seek to improve their ties.
- China's proposal for a peace plan in Ukraine has been recognized as a valuable contribution to the international community, as it aims to build a more peaceful and secure world order.
