Deepening Russian cooperation with SCO discussed in Moscow

Deepening Russian cooperation with SCO discussed in Moscow

Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov met in Moscow with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, who took office on 1 January 2025. Anton Kobyakov congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in his important mission to develop and unify the SCO.

The discussion focused on the organization's economic role and Russia's chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government this year.

"Russia's foreign policy concept was approved by President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 and calls for a strengthening of the SCO's role in ensuring equal, indivisible security and sustainable development in Eurasia. The SCO is in the process of modernizing in accordance with the current geopolitical reality, necessitating a strengthening of economic cooperation between the organization's member states, for which reason Russia considers deepening economic cooperation and expanding partnership ties with the countries of Greater Eurasia a top priority of its SCO chairmanship," Adviser to the Russian President Anton Kobyakov said.

The parties discussed opportunities for holding joint business, cultural, and sporting events, among others, and emphasized the particular importance of the special 'SCO in a New Economic Reality' thematic session planned as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on 18-21 June 2025. Plans were made for the Secretary General to attend and involve the SCO Secretariat in the preparation of the event.

Both sides expressed a high level ofappreciation for the support member states have shown for the proposal to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding between the Roscongress Foundation and the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The conclusion of the document will create new opportunities for implementing the roadmap for congress and exhibition activities in Eurasia and the establishment of communication platforms where states can meet to engage with one another.

"By working together to organize international events for member states and partners, the Roscongress Foundation and the SCO Secretariat will ensure national economies in Eurasia enjoy balanced growth and create new approaches that will transform the global market," Anton Kobyakovsaid.

SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev spoke about recent successes with tourism and environmental forums and expressed the hope to receive support for the Secretariat's proposal to hold a Sustainable Development Forum in November in Xinjiang, suggesting also that Russia consider organizing a similar event in 2025.

"Cooperation in business affects cooperation between our countries on a wide range of issues. We are prepared to discuss with the Foundation joint events aligned with the goals of the SCO chairmanship. Cooperation based on the Roscongress Foundation's wealth of experience and unique skills would invariably benefit partners and strengthen economic synergy," SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev said.

The parties emphasized the need for interaction in public relations, consulting, media, and expert support.

The possibility of including the SCO in joint events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War is also being considered. More than 170 events have already been planned for this significant date under the Plan of Events for Russia, including international events. The Roscongress Foundation is the media partner of the Organizing Committee for the celebration.