Opinions & Interviews

BEIJING, 9 July (BelTA-TASS) - China welcomes Belarus’ willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, spokesperson for the China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying told reporters.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is tuning into a more influential organization. More and more countries and organizations wish to bolster ties with it. We welcome the willingness of the countries that meet the requirements (of the organization) to cooperate with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said the diplomat.

She also stressed that China appreciates Belarus’ efforts and willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Belarus will get the observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Russia President Vladimir Putin said as he met with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in Ufa on 8 July. Belarus previously had the status of dialogue partner with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Five more states, namely Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan, have the observer status.