Shanghai Cooperation Organization Set to Expand with Belarus' Membership

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is set to welcome Belarus as a full member during its upcoming summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 4, 2024. This significant development marks a milestone in the organization's 20-year history, as it continues to enhance cooperation among key Eurasian players.

Why this matters: The expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has significant implications for global politics and economics, as it solidifies the organization's role as a key player in promoting regional cooperation and economic growth in Eurasia. This development could lead to increased economic integration and cooperation among member states, potentially challenging the dominance of Western-led international institutions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have been in discussions ahead of the summit, ensuring that all necessary conditions for Minsk's membership have been met. The SCO currently includes 10 member states: Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The inclusion of Belarus is seen as a strategic move to strengthen regional ties and promote economic cooperation. President Putin and President Lukashenko agreed to continue contacts at various levels ahead of the summit, underscoring the importance of this expansion.

Meanwhile, Russia has also conditionally expressed support for Afghanistan's candidacy to join the SCO, contingent upon the country's economic stability. Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan, stated, 'Afghanistan must bring its economy into some relative order so that the rest of the SCO members consider its entry expedient'.

Kabulov emphasized Moscow's interest in expanding cooperation with Afghanistan in combating international terrorism and drug crime. He mentioned the possibility of cooperation between Afghanistan and the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

In a related move, a proposal to remove the Taliban from Moscow's list of banned organizations has been submitted to President Putin for a final decision. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the initiative as reflecting 'the current objective reality.' The Taliban has been on Russia's list of banned terrorist organizations since 2003.

The SCO's expansion efforts come at a time when the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is also celebrating its achievements. The EEU, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, has seen significant growth in mutual trade and agricultural and industrial production. The EEU meeting on June 4, 2024, in Minsk, Belarus, focused on enhancing economic integration and modernizing transport infrastructure.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin highlighted the EEU's accomplishments, stating, 'We have much to be proud of and much to strive for.' He emphasized the importance of building a unified transport system and expanding ties with other regional organizations, including the SCO.

SCO prepares to welcome Belarus and considers Afghanistan's candidacy, the organization continues to solidify its role as a key player in promoting regional cooperation and economic growth in Eurasia.

Key Takeaways

• Belarus to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as full member in 2024.
• SCO expansion to strengthen regional ties and promote economic cooperation.
• Russia conditionally supports Afghanistan's SCO membership bid.
• Proposal to remove Taliban from Russia's banned list submitted to President Putin.
• Eurasian Economic Union celebrates growth in trade and production, eyes expansion.