Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, at a meeting of the Council of heads of SCO member states in Astana on Thursday, that ensuring the security of member states within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) remains a primary focus of the organization's efforts.

Putin highlighted plans to enhance the SCO regional anti-terrorist structure to effectively address this objective, adding, "Of course, one of the priorities in the SCO's activities has been and remains the maintenance of the security of state participants along the perimeter of the external borders. This is exactly what the decisions taken today on the transformation of the SCO regional anti-terrorist structure into a universal center that will respond to the full range of security threats, as well as on the establishment of an anti-drug center in Dushanbe." 

The Russian President mentioned that the SCO will facilitate efforts against separatism and extremism within its region through a newly approved cooperation program, as discussed during the organization's summit in Kazakhstan.

Putin emphasizes partnership and equality in SCO cooperation

Elsewhere in his remarks, Putin said that Russia places great importance on partnership and cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He highlighted that the organization's development is guided by principles of equality and mutual consideration of interests.

"Russia puts a premium to the partnership cooperation within the SCO. We are pleased to note that this cooperation continues to develop steadily on the principles of equality, consideration of each other's interests, respect for cultural and civilization diversity, and the search for joint solutions to pressing security issues," he stressed.

Due to the active participation of Kazakh colleagues "a really solid package of documents and decisions has been prepared for approval at the current council," Putin went on to say.

"Their implementation will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the role and influence of the SCO. The SCO countries' approaches to key aspects of the global and regional agenda are reflected in the Astana Declaration submitted for approval at the summit," he added.

This, according to him, "highlights the commitment of all SCO participants to the formation of a just multipolar world order based on the central role of the United Nations, on international law, and on the desire of sovereign states for mutually beneficial partnership."

Putin stated that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states are increasingly employing national currencies for bilateral settlements. He noted that in the first four months of 2024, these currencies accounted for over 92% of Russia's commercial transactions with SCO participants.

SCO states boost use of national currencies in trade transactions

The Russian president acknowledged that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states are increasingly employing national currencies for bilateral settlements. He noted that in the first four months of 2024, these currencies accounted for over 92% of Russia's commercial transactions with SCO participants.

"Our countries are increasing the use of national currencies in mutual settlements. For example, their share in Russia's commercial transactions with the organization's participants has already exceeded 92% in the first four months of this year," Putin stressed.

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"Close economic ties bring obvious dividends to all participants. The facts speak for themselves. Thus, the average GDP growth of the member countries of our organization last year amounted to more than 5%, industrial production to 4.5%, while the inflation rate is only 2.4%. At the same time, Russia's trade with the SCO states has increased by a quarter," he added.

Putin stated that the draft decision on the SCO strategy until 2035 outlines plans to enhance cooperation in politics, security, economy, energy, agriculture, high technologies, and innovations.

On Belarus' official accession to SCO, Putin expressed approval of Belarus becoming an official full member.

"I would like to welcome all of you and, of course, President of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko in connection with the completion of the procedure for the admission of the Republic of Belarus to official members of the SCO," Putin emphasized.

In another context, the Russian president said that Moscow backs the proposal to restart the operations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Afghanistan contact group, seeing it as a step towards stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan.

"We consider it right that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has traditionally been closely involved in the problems of Afghanistan. We support the idea of resuming the activities of the SCO-Afghanistan contact group. We think this will contribute to the further normalization of the situation in this country," Putin stressed.

Ukraine settlement option

On the option of resolving the crisis in Ukraine, he stated that Russia's proposed solution to the war in Ukraine could swiftly halt hostilities and initiate negotiations, contingent on Kiev and its Western supporters being prepared.

"Let me remind you that in mid-June we presented another settlement option, which, if the Ukrainian side, and most importantly, its Western sponsors, were ready to accept it, would allow literally at once, immediately cease hostilities, save human lives, and start negotiations," Putin stressed.

He also expressed gratitude to SCO members for their suggestions regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict and affirmed Moscow's readiness to consider them.

"Unfortunately, on the Eurasian continent, in Greater Eurasia, there are still other potential hotbeds of conflict, the proliferation of which is fraught with chaos and instability. First of all, of course, it is the Middle East and specifically the situation in the Gaza Strip," Putin stressed.

Putin optimistic on Moscow-Tehran relations amid Iran's elections

It is also worth noting that Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's acting president, is attending the officially commenced Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana.

During a sideline meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism that relations between Moscow and Tehran would improve regardless of the results of Iran's elections, according to Acting President Mohammad Mokhber.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement, reflecting what Russia's Foreign Ministry described as a significant enhancement in bilateral relations.

SCO stands on 'right side of history': Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) aligns with the principles of justice and stands on the correct side of history, playing a crucial role in global peace efforts.

"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization stands on the right side of history, on the side of justice and impartiality, and is extremely important for the world," Xi stressed, as quoted by the China Central Television.

Xi emphasized that SCO member states should safeguard the right to development, ensure stability in production chains, and promote regional economic growth. He stressed the importance of collective action among member countries to counter external interference and provide steadfast mutual support.

Read more: Putin: Ukraine war a 'great tragedy' resulting from Western desires