The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit has commenced in Astana, Kazakhstan, drawing together leaders from across Eurasia to discuss regional cooperation, security, and economic ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are among the high-profile attendees who have arrived in the Kazakh capital.The summit, scheduled for July 3-4, is expected to result in the signing of 24 joint documents and the adoption of a final declaration. Key topics on the agenda include deepening multifaceted cooperation within the organization, improving its activities, and exchanging views on current international and regional issues.Of particular note, Belarus is anticipated to become the tenth member of the SCO during this summit. The organization, founded in 2001, currently consists of nine member states: China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.Bilateral meetings are also a crucial component of the summit. Putin is scheduled to meet with Xi Jinping and Erdogan, among others. These talks are expected to cover a range of issues, including energy, trade, tourism, and regional conflicts.The economic significance of the SCO is underscored by recent trade figures. Over the past five years, Kazakhstan’s trade with SCO countries has grown by 56.5%, reaching $66 billion. In the first four months of 2024 alone, intra-organizational trade reached $19.1 billion.As the summit progresses, all eyes will be on the discussions and potential outcomes that could shape the geopolitical and economic landscape of the region in the coming years.
Key points
- The SCO summit in Astana brings together leaders from across Eurasia to discuss regional cooperation and security.
- Belarus is expected to join as the tenth member of the SCO during this summit.
- Bilateral meetings between leaders, including Putin, Xi, and Erdogan, are a key feature of the summit.
- Kazakhstan’s trade with SCO countries has grown significantly, highlighting the economic importance of the organization.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported dates of the summit, with some sources stating July 3-4 and others mentioning only July 4.
