Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Tuesday sought to forge closer ties and boost cooperation within the expanding Eurasian bloc but stressed the group is not directed against any other states.
A joint declaration by the leaders at the end of an online summit hosted by India also said SCO members oppose bloc, ideological and confrontational approaches to address problems and security challenges.
All members bar India also supported China's vast Belt and Road Initiative scheme which envisions rebuilding the old Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe and beyond with large infrastructure spending. Belarus signed a memorandum of obligations which will lead to its membership in 2024, adding heft to the bloc as it seeks to expand its reach and counter Western influence in the region - a sentiment that was more pronounced in the individual remarks of China and Russia.The virtual summit saw Russia's President Vladimir Putin making his first appearance at an international forum since a short-lived mutiny last month and reassuring SCO leaders of Russia's stability and unity.
Russia views countries such as China, India and Iran as key partners in confronting the United States and resisting what it portrays as U.S. attempts to dictate the world order., and their two countries called themselves "among the closest partners in the world".In his online address, China's President Xi Jinping called for strengthening exchanges, ensuring common security and enhancing solidarity and mutual trust.
India, which holds the presidency of SCO and the G20 this year, has walked a diplomatic tightrope as relations between Western nations and a Russia-China partnership have been fraught due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year, and Beijing's growing assertive presence in global geopolitics. Modi spoke to Putin in a call last week in the aftermath of the mercenary mutiny. During the discussion, Modi reiterated a call for dialogue and diplomacy regarding the war in Ukraine.
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