Opinions & Interviews

BEIJING, 14 June (BelTA) - China is in favor of closer cooperation of Belarus with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Assistant Foreign Minister Li Huilai said when asked by BelTA during his meeting with representatives of the mass media of the SCO member states. The meeting was held in the run-up to the Tashkent summit marking the 15th anniversary of the organization.

According to him, Belarus is an important country in Eurasia and recognizes “the Shanghai spirit”, purposes and principles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Li Huilai also noted that Belarus takes an active part in the SCO activities and is making a big contribution to the development of the organization. The country plays a tangible role in the international arena to promote stability in the region.

“China unswervingly supports the deepening of cooperation between the SCO and Belarus. Last year, during the Ufa summit, China together with other member countries decided to raise Belarus’ status in the SCO to the observer status,” Li Huilai said.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been working to enhance cooperation in various fields. The Chinese Foreign Ministry official expressed the hope that all the observer countries, including Belarus, will demonstrate their advantages to ensure stability in the region.