The purpose of creation of the SCO. SCO member countries
TASS DOSSIER. On June 9-10, 2018, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit will be held in Qingdao (Shandong Province, China). For the first time, two new SCO member states will participate in the meeting of the leaders of the organization's countries: India and Pakistan.
Shanghai organization cooperation is a regional international association that includes eight countries: Russia, India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Since 2004, the SCO has been an observer at General Assembly UN.
History of education
On April 26, 1996, in Shanghai (PRC), the heads of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed an agreement to strengthen confidence in military field in the border area. On its basis, a political association was formed, called the “Shanghai Five”, main goal which was to ensure stability along the borders of the former Soviet republics and China. On July 5, 2000, the organization was transformed into the Shanghai Forum. On June 14, 2001, at the summit in Shanghai, Uzbekistan joined the union of five countries.
On June 15, 2001, the heads of six states signed the Declaration on the Establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. On June 7, 2002, the organization's charter document, the SCO Charter, was signed (came into force on September 19, 2003).
On June 9, 2017, at the summit in Astana, membership in the organization of India and Pakistan was officially approved.
Observers and dialogue partners
Observers in the organization are Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Belarus. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Syria and Sri Lanka also submitted applications for observer status.
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka have the status of SCO dialogue partners.
Observer countries can, with the consent of SCO members, attend meetings of the alliance’s bodies and participate in the discussion of agenda items without the right to make decisions. The status of a dialogue partner is granted to a state (or organization) interacting with the SCO in certain areas of cooperation provided for by the SCO Charter.
According to the Regulations on the Procedure for Admitting New Members, a country applying for membership in the SCO cannot be subject to sanctions by the UN Security Council.
Goals, objectives, areas of cooperation
According to the SCO Charter, the goals of the alliance are to ensure stability and security in the region, fight terrorism and extremism, and develop economic cooperation, energy partnership, scientific and cultural interaction. Priority areas - development of transport infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, oil and gas sector, Agriculture, usage water resources and etc.
In relations within the organization, member states adhere to the principles of consensus, mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for cultural diversity, and the desire for common development. In its foreign relations, the SCO proceeds from the principles of openness, non-affiliation with blocs and non-direction against third countries.
On September 23, 2003, in Beijing, following a meeting of the heads of government of the SCO countries, a long-term program of multilateral economic cooperation until 2020 was adopted, which provides for the creation of a common economic space within the organization. In the short term, it is planned to increase the volume of trade turnover, and in the long term, the creation of a zone free trade. An action plan for the implementation of the program was signed in September 2004.
Structure
Countries chair the SCO alternately for a period of one year, ending their mandate with a summit. Since June 2017, China has chaired the SCO.
The highest body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of State, which determines the priorities and main directions of the organization’s activities, resolves issues of its internal structure, interaction with other countries and international organizations, and considers current international problems. The Council meets for regular meetings once a year; The chairmanship is carried out by the head of state - the organizer of the summit.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government considers issues related to specific, especially economic, areas of cooperation. Regular meetings are held once a year. Also within the organization, a Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, a Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Departments, and a Council of National Coordinators have been created. The permanent working body is the secretariat with headquarters in Beijing.
Since January 1, 2016, the post of SCO Secretary General has been occupied by Rashid Alimov (elected on July 10, 2015 for a term of two years), former head Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and permanent representative of the republic to the UN, ex-ambassador of Tajikistan to the PRC.
Decisions in the SCO bodies are made by consensus; this principle is enshrined in the organization’s Charter.
Security questions
When the organization was created, its main task was declared to be the fight against terrorism in Central Asia. One of the first documents of the organization - the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism (2001) - on international level established the definition of separatism and extremism as violent, criminally prosecuted acts.
On June 7, 2002, at the SCO summit in St. Petersburg, an agreement was signed on the creation of a Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS; the headquarters of the executive committee is in Tashkent). It coordinates the fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism, in particular, it creates a unified data bank on international terrorist and other organizations and individuals, as well as a unified search register, assists in the training of specialists and instructors for anti-terrorist units, and organizes activities to combat drug trafficking and etc.
As part of security cooperation, SCO member countries regularly conduct joint anti-terrorism exercises, the largest of which are the Peace Mission (held since 2003).
According to the SCO secretariat, in 2013-2017, more than 600 terrorist crimes were prevented within the organization, more than 500 terrorist training bases were liquidated, and the activities of more than 2 thousand members of international terrorist organizations, over 1 thousand improvised explosive devices, 50 tons were seized explosives, 10 thousand units firearms and over 1 million ammunition.
Cooperation in economics and finance
Economic interaction is coordinated by the Business Council (created in 2006; unites representatives of the business community) and the SCO Interbank Association (2005; organizes financing and banking services investment projects). As of the end of 2017, the Interbank Association provided $97.8 billion for the development of projects in the SCO countries.
To finance interstate infrastructure projects and foreign trade operations within the SCO, it was decided to create a Development Bank and a Development Fund (Special Account) of the organization. In 2015, at the summit in Ufa, it was also announced the intention to create on the basis of the existing Interbank Association International Center project financing. Currently working on creating financial instruments in the SCO continues.
Since 2014, the Energy Club, created at the initiative of Russia, has been operating within the SCO. This is a discussion platform for discussing the energy strategies of the SCO states from the standpoint of their harmonization and developing proposals to improve energy security. The club unites representatives of government agencies, big business and information and analytical centers working in the energy sector.
On September 16, 2015 in Xi'an (China), at the SCO ministerial meeting on economics and trade, it was decided to begin developing a regional economic cooperation program for the next five years. Cooperation will be developed in ten areas, including about one hundred projects totaling $100 billion. The main area of interaction is the development of transport infrastructure.
Cooperation in the humanitarian sphere
On August 16, 2007, at a meeting of heads of government in Bishkek, Russia proposed the establishment of a university based on the network principle. The decision to establish the SCO University was made in 2008 at a meeting of the organization’s ministers of education. The university began its work in 2010 as a network of already existing universities in the SCO member states and observer countries. Personnel training is carried out according to priority areas cultural, scientific, educational and economic cooperation: regional studies, ecology, energy, IT technologies, nanotechnologies.
In 2015 it was developed International card young man(SCO Youth Card; SCO Youth Card), which is both a means of payment and an identity card. In particular, it allows students of universities that are members of the SCO University to enjoy discounts in the countries of the organization. The project was launched in May 2017 in Belgorod as part of the II Youth Forum of SCO Universities.
Youth movements of the organization's countries have been cooperating within the framework of the SCO Youth Council (since 2009). In May 2018, the organization’s first Women’s Forum was held in Beijing, the purpose of which was declared to be “the development of exchanges and cooperation between women within the SCO.”
The organization also operates the SCO Forum (2006) - a public advisory and expert body created to promote and scientifically support the activities of the organization, conduct joint research on topical issues, clarification of the tasks and principles of the SCO, etc.
Statistics
The territory of the SCO (including observer countries) is 37.53 million square meters. km, or 61% of the Eurasian continent. The population, according to the World Bank for 2016, is 3.1 billion people (including India and Pakistan), including observer countries - 3.2 billion (data for 2017 have not been published).
The total gross domestic product (at current prices) of the SCO member states reached $15.24 trillion in 2016 (including India and Pakistan), or 20.09% of the global figure (for comparison: in the USA - $18.62 trillion, in EU - $16.49 trillion).
In an interview with the Chinese Media Corporation on May 31, 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the SCO countries account for a quarter of the world's GDP, 43% of the population and 23% of the planet's territory.
SCO budget
The organization's budget is formed for a period of one calendar year in US dollars. It consists of annual shared contributions from the SCO member states. According to the Agreement on the procedure for the formation and execution of the budget dated December 1, 2017, the contribution of India is 5.9%, Kazakhstan - 17.6%, China - 20.6%, Kyrgyzstan - 8.8%, Pakistan - 5.9%, Russia - 20.6%, Tajikistan - 6%, Uzbekistan - 14.6%. The size of shared contributions can be changed at the proposal of one or more states with the consent of other SCO members.
Official languages and website
Official working languages are Russian and Chinese. Official site -
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional international association that includes Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observers in the organization are Mongolia, India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Belarus (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Syria and Sri Lanka also submitted applications). In September 2014, India and Pakistan submitted formal applications for full membership in the organization. Iran and Afghanistan are also vying for full membership in the SCO.
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka have the status of SCO dialogue partner.
What part of the earth's landmass is occupied by the SCO countries, what are their economic indicators and how states interact in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization - in the TASS material.
The Republic of Kazakhstan
The country is the founder of the SCO. It is one of the states that signed the declaration on the creation of the organization on June 15, 2001. Previously, since 1996, Kazakhstan was a member of the Shanghai Five, and since 2000 - of the Shanghai Forum.
The Shanghai organization, combining Islamic, Christian and Confucian civilizations, is a worthy example of effective cooperation, harmony and mutual understanding in a vast area from of Eastern Europe before southern borders Asia... The SCO represents new culture interstate relations, which in the future will determine the appearance and character of our region"
Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan. reference Information
- Territory: 2.7 million sq. km.
- Population (2014): 17.3 million
- Capital: Astana.
- Government structure: presidential republic; Since April 24, 1990, the president of the country has been Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev.
- GDP (2014): $76.139 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 6.04%.
- Exports (2015): mineral products, including oil and gas condensate (71.6%), metals and products made from them (13.1%), products chemical industry (7,1%).
- Imports (2015): machinery and equipment (40.6%), chemical products (14.9%), metals and products made from them (13.2%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - Italy, China, the Netherlands, Russia; for imports - Russia, China and Germany.
Continuation
Kazakhstan participates in all areas of SCO activities. Representatives of the republic have repeatedly come up with various initiatives. In 2011, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov proposed to the SCO countries to create an interstate reserve bank. On December 6, 2013, Kazakhstan signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club. On September 12, 2014, the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev at the SCO summit in Dushanbe announced the need to create Coordination Council SCO, which will replace the existing mechanism of meetings of national coordinators with representatives of observer countries during the organization. On March 15, 2016, Kazakhstan ratified the Agreement on cooperation and interaction of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on border issues.
Kyrgyz Republic
The country is the founder of the SCO. It is one of the states that signed the declaration on the creation of the organization on June 15, 2001. Previously, since 1996, it was a member of the Shanghai Five, and since 2000 - of the Shanghai Forum.
Today we can confidently say that the SCO is significant and influential international association, which sets itself the task of developing effective mechanisms of interaction, maintaining peace and stability in the region, strengthening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation
Almazbek Atambayev, President of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan. reference Information
- Territory: 191.8 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 5.84 million
- Capital: Bishkek.
- State structure: parliamentary-presidential republic; Since December 1, 2011, the president of the country is Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev.
- GDP (2014): $7.404 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 4%.
- Export (2015): gold (50%), food products and tobacco products (11.5%), machinery and transport equipment (11.4%).
- Imports (2015): industrial goods for various purposes (32%), mineral products (20%), machinery and equipment (19%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Russia; for imports - Russia, China, Kazakhstan.
Continuation
The main areas of cooperation within the SCO for the republic are the security and economic spheres, primarily attracting investments in the transport industry and hydropower. Kyrgyzstan came up with the idea of creating a Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) within the SCO. Currently, the republic is discussing with its SCO partners the possibility of implementing a number of large economic projects. One of these projects is the construction of a railway that should connect the north and south of Kyrgyzstan. On June 1, 2016, the Kyrgyz Parliament ratified an agreement on cooperation and interaction between SCO member states on border issues.
People's Republic of China
The country is the founder of the SCO. It is one of the states that signed the declaration on the creation of the organization on June 15, 2001. Previously, since 1996, China was a member of the Shanghai Five, and since 2000 - of the Shanghai Forum.
The “Shanghai Spirit”, which permeated the entire development process of the organization, has become a valuable asset that ensures the development and strengthening of the organization... Now our planet is going through a period of great development, great changes and great transformations, all countries are faced with unprecedented chances and challenges... We are ready, adhering to the "Shanghai spirit", to take advantage of opportunities together and meet challenges together, to act in the same direction, carrying out development and innovation, and build a new model of regional cooperation.
Hu Jintao, Chairman of the People's Republic of China in 2003-2013.
China. reference Information
- Territory: 9.563 million sq. km.
- Population (2014): 1.364 billion people.
- Capital: Beijing.
- State structure: socialist republic; Since March 14, 2013, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China (head of state) has been Xi Jinping.
- GDP (2014): $10.354 trillion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 8.6%.
- Exports (2015): machinery and transport equipment (50.2%), textile and knitwear products (8.4%), chemical products (8.1%).
- Imports (2015): machinery and transport equipment (46.6%), mineral fuels (11.9%), chemical products (9.5%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - USA, Hong Kong, Japan; for import - USA, Taiwan, Japan.
Continuation
China takes part in all formats of cooperation within the organization. Special attention focuses on security issues. He advocates the creation of a center for responding to security challenges and threats on the basis of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure. On December 6, 2013, China signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club. In December 2015, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang said that the SCO member countries would work on the issue of creating a free trade zone.
Russian Federation
The country is the founder of the SCO. It is one of the states that signed the declaration on the creation of the organization on June 15, 2001. Previously, since 1996, Russia was a member of the Shanghai Five, and since 2000 - of the Shanghai Forum.
Our organization is based on clear and precise principles. Among them are mutual trust, open discussion of any problems, resolution of issues without any pressure, but through consultations... Now, when allegations about supposedly insurmountable cultural and civilizational differences between states are being revived, the Organization demonstrates an excellent example of equal partnership in the Eurasian space. Partnerships whose strategic goal is to strengthen regional security and stability, promoting economic process And integration processes while preserving the national and cultural identity of each state
Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation
Article "SCO - new model successful international cooperation", "Russian newspaper", June 14, 2006
Russia. reference Information
- Territory: 17.125 million sq. km.
- Population (2015): 146.267 million
- Moscow the capital.
- Government structure: presidential republic; since May 7, 2012, the president of the country is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (served as president in 2000-2008).
- GDP (2014): $1.86 trillion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 2.86%.
- Exports (2014): mineral products (70.5%), metals, gems and products made from them (10.6%), chemical industry products (5.9%).
- Import (2014): machinery, equipment and vehicles(47.6%), chemical products, rubber (16.2%), foodstuffs and agricultural raw materials (13.9%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2014): for export - the Netherlands, Germany, China; for import - China, Germany, USA.
Continuation
Russia takes part in all formats of cooperation within the organization. Cooperation within the SCO is one of the main directions of Russian foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region. Within the SCO, the priorities of the Russian Federation are the political consolidation of the organization, the development of common approaches to current international problems, expansion of practical interaction with leading multilateral organizations and associations, primarily the UN. In 2006, the President of the Russian Federation took the initiative to create the SCO Energy Club (the corresponding memorandum was signed on December 6, 2013). In 2015, Vladimir Putin proposed organizing, on the basis of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO, a Center for countering threats and challenges to the security of member states of the organization.
The Republic of Tajikistan
The country is the founder of the SCO. It is one of the states that signed the declaration on the creation of the organization on June 15, 2001. Previously, since 1996, Tajikistan was a member of the Shanghai Five, and since 2000 - of the Shanghai Forum.
The potential of the SCO is great. Our common task- open it in to the fullest in the interests of the peoples of the participating states
Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan
Tajikistan. reference Information
- Territory: 139.96 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 8.3 million
- Capital: Dushanbe.
- Government structure: presidential republic; Since November 16, 1994, Emomali Rahmon has been the country's president.
- GDP (2014): $9.242 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 7.1%.
- Exports (2015): base metals and products made from them (26.1%), precious and semi-precious stones and metals and products from them (23.3%), mineral products (22.9%).
- Imports (2015): machinery, equipment and vehicles (21.7%), mineral products (16.6%), food plant origin (11,2%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - Türkiye, Switzerland, Kazakhstan; for imports - Russia, China, Kazakhstan.
Continuation
The main areas of cooperation within the SCO for the republic are the security sphere and the economy. On December 6, 2013, Tajikistan signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club. In May 2014, the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Tajikistan organized scientific and practical conference on the topic "Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Ensuring Regional Security: Problems and Prospects." The forum brought together leaders and representatives of the relevant research institutes member states, observer states and dialogue partners of the SCO.
The Republic of Uzbekistan
At the summit in Shanghai on June 14, 2001, she joined the Shanghai Forum association. It is the founding country of the SCO. Uzbekistan was among the states that signed the declaration on the creation of the organization on June 15, 2001.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization for relatively short period has become an influential international structure, playing a significant role in world politics
Islam Karimov, President of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan. reference Information
- Territory: 425.4 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 30.76 million
- Capital: Tashkent.
- Government structure: presidential republic; Since March 24, 1990, Islam Abduganievich Karimov has been the president of the country.
- GDP (2014): $62.644 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 8.2%.
- Exports (2015): energy resources and petroleum products (25.9%), food products (10.2%), ferrous and non-ferrous metals (6.4%), cotton (5.7%).
- Imports (2015): machinery and equipment (40.5%), chemical products (17%), food products (12.8%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): Russia, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea(official data on the main exporters/importers has not been published).
Continuation
The priority areas of cooperation within the SCO are maintaining regional stability and developing economic and investment cooperation. After the summit in Ufa in July 2015, the presidency of the SCO in 2015-2016. passed to Uzbekistan.
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Received the status of an observer state with the SCO in 2012. The corresponding decision was made by the heads of member states of the organization on June 6-7, 2012 at the summit in Beijing.
Afghanistan. reference Information
- Territory: 1.629 million sq. km.
- Population (2014): 31.6 million people.
- Capital: Kabul.
- State structure: Islamic republic; Since September 29, 2014, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai has been the country's president.
- GDP (2014): $20.03 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 6.4%.
- Exports (2014): carpets (45%), dried fruits (31%), medicinal plants (12%).
- Imports (2014): petroleum products (33%), machinery and transport equipment (15%), food products (14%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2014): for export - Pakistan, India, Russia; for import - Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan.
Continuation
As an observer, Afghanistan is present at meetings of heads of state and government, ministerial events, meetings of secretaries of security councils that take place within the SCO, as well as at the Peace Mission military exercises held within the SCO.
Since its formation, the SCO has been paying priority attention to the development of the situation in Afghanistan, instability on whose territory threatens all member states of this association. In addition, within the framework of the SCO there is ongoing active struggle with drug trafficking from Afghanistan. On November 4, 2005, a protocol on the creation of the SCO-Afghanistan contact group was signed in Beijing.
On December 6, 2013, Afghanistan signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club. On May 27, 2015, the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (SCO RATS) and the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed a protocol of intent on cooperation in the field of security.
At the SCO summit in Ufa on July 8-10, 2015, Afghanistan applied to become a full member of the organization.
Republic of Belarus
Received the status of an observer state with the SCO in 2015. The corresponding decision was made by the heads of member states of the organization on July 10, 2015 at the summit in Ufa. Prior to this, the republic had been a dialogue partner for five years (memorandum dated April 28, 2010).
Belarus. reference Information
- Territory: 202.91 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 9.47 million
- Capital: Minsk.
- Government structure: presidential republic; Since July 20, 1994, the president of the country is Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko.
- GDP (2014): $76.139 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 3.5%.
- Exports (2015): mineral products (29.9%), chemical products, rubber (21.3%), food products and agricultural raw materials (16.3%).
- Imports (2015): mineral products (31.1%), machinery, equipment and vehicles (23.4%), food products and agricultural raw materials (14.6%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - Russia, Great Britain, Ukraine, the Netherlands; for imports - Russia, China, Germany, Poland.
Continuation
The Memorandum on granting Belarus the status of a dialogue partner dated April 28, 2010 set out the main areas of cooperation: the creation favorable conditions for trade and investment, enhancing interaction in customs affairs, partnership in issues of regional and global security, development of dialogue on foreign policy issues.
With the support of the SCO Business Council, Belarus participated on equal terms in the project to create prototype the first multi-purpose marine unmanned complex(the Belarusian side developed software). Also, interaction within the SCO made it possible to create a park in Belarus high technology, offering high-quality software and IT services. The project of the Chinese-Belarusian industrial park "Great Stone" is under development, which is focused on the development of mechanical engineering, fine chemistry, biomedicine, production household appliances and electronics.
Republic of India
India. reference Information
- Territory: 3.287 million sq. km.
- Population (2014): 1.295 billion people.
- Capital: New Delhi.
- State structure: parliamentary republic; Since July 25, 2012, the country's president has been Pranab Kumar Mukherjee.
- GDP (2014): $2.049 trillion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 7.2%.
- Exports (April 2015 - February 2016): precious and semi-precious stones and metals (15%), mineral fuels and products (11%), funds ground transport and equipment (5.4%).
- Imports (April 2015 - February 2016): mineral fuels and products (25.7%), precious and semi-precious stones and metals (15%), electric cars and equipment (9%).
- Main foreign economic partners (April 2015 - February 2016): for export - USA, UAE, China; for imports - China, USA, Saudi Arabia.
Continuation
Representatives of India are present at meetings of heads of state and government, ministerial events, meetings of secretaries of the security councils of SCO member countries, as well as at the Peace Mission military exercises held within the SCO. On July 25, 2008, India signed a protocol on the transfer of data on terrorists to the SCO anti-terrorism center. On December 6, 2013, the country signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club. In September 2014, India applied for membership. During the summit in Ufa on July 8-10, 2015, a procedure was launched to grant the country the status of a full member of the organization.
Islamic Republic of Iran
Received the status of an observer state at the SCO in 2005. The corresponding decision was made by the heads of member states of the organization on July 5, 2005 at the summit in Astana.
Iran. reference Information
- Territory: 1.629 million sq. km.
- Population (2014): 78.1 million people.
- Capital: Tehran.
- State structure: Islamic republic; since June 4, 1989, the leader of Iran (head of state) is Ali Khamenei; Since August 3, 2013, Hassan Rouhani has been the president (the head of the executive branch, representing the country at SCO summits).
- GDP (2014): $425.3 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 1.2%.
- Exports (2014): oil and gas (82%), plastics (5%), chemical products (3.6%).
- Import (2014): machinery and transport equipment (26%); iron and steel (14%), chemical products (11%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2014): for export - China, Japan, Türkiye; for imports - UAE and China.
Continuation
As an observer, Iran is present at meetings of heads of state and government, ministerial events, meetings of secretaries of security councils that take place within the SCO, as well as at the Peace Mission military exercises held within the SCO. On July 25, 2008, Iran signed a protocol on the transfer of data on terrorists to the SCO anti-terrorism center. On September 19, 2014, at a meeting of the SCO RATS Council, documents were approved regulating the interaction of RATS with competent authorities Iran. In March 2008, Iran applied for membership in the SCO.
Mongolia
Received the status of an observer state with the SCO in 2004. The corresponding decision was made by the heads of member states of the organization on June 17, 2004 at a summit in Tashkent.
Mongolia. reference Information
- Territory: 1.564 million sq. km.
- Population (2014): 2.9 million people.
- Capital: Ulaanbaatar.
- State structure: parliamentary republic; Since June 18, 2009, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj has been the country's president.
- GDP (2014): $12.016 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 11.1%.
- Exports (2015): copper concentrate (49%), coal (12%), gold (9%).
- Imports (2015): machinery and transport equipment (45%), mineral fuels (19%), food products (13%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - China, Great Britain, Russia; for import - China, Russia, Japan.
Continuation
As an observer, Mongolia is present at meetings of heads of state and government, ministerial events, meetings of secretaries of security councils that take place within the SCO, as well as at the Peace Mission military exercises held within the SCO. On December 6, 2013, Mongolia signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club.
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Received the status of an observer state at the SCO in 2005. The corresponding decision was made by the heads of member states of the organization on July 5, 2005 at the summit in Astana.
Pakistan. reference Information
- Territory: 796.1 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 185 million people.
- Capital: Islamabad.
- State structure: parliamentary republic; Since September 9, 2013, the country's president is Mamnoon Hussein.
- GDP (2014): $243.6 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 3.4%.
- Exports (FY 2014-2015): textiles and products (52%), food products (16%), machinery and transport equipment (11.6%).
- Imports (FY 2014-2015): mineral fuels and products (26%), machinery and transport equipment (22%), chemical products (16.5%).
- Main foreign economic partners (fiscal year 2014-2015): for export - USA, China, Afghanistan; for import - China, UAE, Saudi Arabia.
Continuation
As an observer, Pakistan participates in meetings of heads of state and government, ministerial events, meetings of secretaries of security councils that take place within the SCO, as well as in the Peace Mission military exercises held within the SCO. On July 25, 2008, Pakistan signed a protocol on the transfer of data on terrorists to the SCO anti-terrorism center. In September 2014, Pakistan applied to join the SCO. During the organization’s summit in Ufa on July 8-10, 2015, the procedure was launched to grant the country the status of a full member.
The Republic of Azerbaijan
Has the status of a dialogue partner of the SCO. The decision was made on July 10, 2015 at the summit in Ufa, the memorandum on granting status was signed on March 14, 2016.
Azerbaijan. reference Information
- Territory: 82.7 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 9.54 million
- Capital: Baku.
- Government structure: presidential republic; Since October 31, 2003, the country's president has been Ilham Aliyev.
- GDP (2014): $75.198 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 3%.
- Exports (2015): oil (76.7%), petroleum products (6.6%), natural gas(2.5%), vegetables and fruits (1.02%).
- Imports (2015): vehicles (23.6%), machinery and equipment (21.1%), ferrous metals and products made from them (16.3%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - Italy, Germany, France; for import - Russia, USA, Türkiye.
Continuation
Azerbaijan’s dialogue with the SCO began in 2012, when the country’s President Ilham Aliyev sent official letter SCO on granting SCO observer status to Azerbaijan. Currently, Azerbaijan is involved in the implementation of important regional communication projects, such as the New Silk Road transport corridor with the participation of China, and the North-South transport corridor with the participation of the Russian Federation. The Azerbaijani side also shows interest in interaction with SCO member countries in the energy sector, the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
On March 14, 2016, at a meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov, the main areas of cooperation were agreed upon: the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, strengthening regional peace and security, transport and energy projects.
Republic of Armenia
Has the status of a dialogue partner of the SCO. The decision was made on July 10, 2015 at the summit in Ufa, the memorandum on granting status was signed on April 16, 2016.
Armenia. reference Information
- Territory: 28.47 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 3 million
- Capital: Yerevan.
- Government structure: presidential republic; Since April 9, 2008, the president of the country is Serzh Azatovich Sargsyan.
- GDP (2014): $11.644 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 4.2%.
- Exports (2015): mineral products (28.7%), food products (20.7%), base metals and products made from them (15.4%), precious and semi-precious stones and metals and products from them (13.9%) .
- Imports (2015): mineral products (19.8%), machinery and equipment (12.5%), food products (10%), chemical products (9.2%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - Russia, China, Germany, Iraq; for imports - Russia, China, Germany, Iran.
Continuation
Armenia applied for observer status in the SCO in 2012. In July 2015, at a summit in Ufa, the President of the Republic Serzh Sargsyan said that cooperation with the SCO should “ensure in the future access to new level implementation of large infrastructure and transport projects, such as the construction of the Iran-Armenia railway." This Railway will provide a way out EAEU countries through Persian Gulf To Indian Ocean. Armenia also considers the priority areas of cooperation with the SCO to be “attracting investments, using transit opportunities, opening new transport communications and access to Asian markets."
Kingdom of Cambodia
Has the status of a dialogue partner of the SCO. The decision was made on July 10, 2015 at the summit in Ufa, the memorandum on granting status was signed on September 24, 2015.
Cambodia. reference Information
- Territory: 181 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 15.33 million people.
- Capital: Phnom Penh.
- State structure: a constitutional monarchy; Since October 29, 2004, the head of state (king) is Norodom Sihamoni.
- GDP (2014): $16.78 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 7%.
- Exports (2014): textile materials and products (68%), footwear, hats and parts thereof (9.8%), food products (4.9%).
- Imports (2014): textile materials and products (23%), mineral fuels and products (15%), machinery and vehicles (13%). Territory: 147.2 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 28.17 million people.
- Capital: Kathmandu.
- State structure: parliamentary republic; Since October 29, 2015, the country's president has been Bidhya Devi Bhandari.
- GDP (2014): $19.77 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 4.5%.
- Exports (2014): textile materials and products (36%), food products (16%), base metals and products made from them (13%).
- Imports (2014): mineral fuels and products (20%), electrical machinery and equipment (12%), base metals and products made from them (11%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2014): for export - India, USA, Germany; for import - India, China, Hong Kong.
Continuation
On September 16, 2015, representatives of Nepal took part in a meeting of ministers of the SCO member states responsible for foreign economic and foreign trade activities.
Turkish Republic
Has the status of a dialogue partner of the SCO. The decision was made on June 7, 2012 at the summit in Beijing, the memorandum on granting status was signed on April 26, 2013.
Türkiye. reference Information
- Territory: 783.6 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 75.8 million people.
- Capital: Ankara.
- State structure: presidential-parliamentary republic; Since August 28, 2014, the country's president has been Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- GDP (2014): $799.5 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 5.4%.
- Exports (2015): machinery and vehicles (27%), manufacturing products (19%), livestock products (9%).
- Imports (2015): machinery and transport equipment (31.5%), mineral fuels (18.2%), chemical products (13.9%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2015): for export - Germany, Great Britain, Iraq; for import - China, Germany, Russia.
Continuation
In 2011, the SCO became an active participant in the Istanbul Process initiated by Turkey, the goal of which is to strengthen regional security and cooperation for the stable development of Afghanistan. On December 6, 2013, Turkey signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club.
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Has the status of a dialogue partner of the SCO. The decision was made on June 16, 2009 at the summit in Yekaterinburg, the memorandum on granting status was signed on May 6, 2010.
Sri Lanka. reference Information
- Territory: 65.6 thousand square meters. km.
- Population (2014): 20.77 million people.
- Capital: Colombo.
- State structure: parliamentary-presidential republic; Since January 9, 2015, Maithripala Sirisena has been the country's president.
- GDP (2014): $78.82 billion.
- Average GDP growth (2010-2014): 6.9%.
- Exports (2014): textile materials and products (48%), food products (24%), including tea (17%, the largest exporter of tea in the world), plastics and products made from them (9.6%).
- Imports (2014): mineral fuels and products (22%), aircrafts, land transport means and equipment (19%), electrical machinery and equipment (11%).
- Main foreign economic partners (2014): for export - USA, UK, India; for import - India, China, UAE.
Continuation
On December 6, 2013, Sri Lanka signed a memorandum on the creation of the SCO Energy Club. Representatives of the republic have repeatedly taken part in meetings within the SCO, including a meeting of ministers of agriculture on October 9, 2014, a meeting of the expert working group on the development of cooperation in the field of tourism March 24, 2015, etc.
- permanent intergovernmental international organization, founded by the leaders of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. On June 9, 2017, the leaders of the SCO member states announced the admission of India and Pakistan to the organization.
In June 2002, at the St. Petersburg summit of the heads of state of the SCO, the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was signed, which entered into force on September 19, 2003. This is the basic statutory document that sets out the goals and principles of the Organization, its structure and main areas of activity.
An important step in strengthening the legal framework of the association was the signing in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) in August 2007 of the Agreement on Long-Term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.
In 2006, the organization announced plans to combat the international drug mafia as the financial support of terrorism in the world, and in 2008 - active participation in normalizing the situation in Afghanistan.
In parallel, the activities of the SCO have also acquired a broad economic focus. In September 2003, the heads of government of the SCO member countries signed the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation, designed for 20 years. The long-term goal is to create a free trade zone in the SCO space, and in the short term, to intensify the process of creating favorable conditions in the field of trade and investment.
The highest decision-making body in the SCO is the Council of Heads of Member States (CHS). It determines priorities and develops the main directions of the Organization’s activities, resolves fundamental issues of its internal structure and functioning, interaction with other states and international organizations, and also considers the most pressing international problems.
The Council meets for regular meetings once a year. The meeting of the Council of Heads of State is chaired by the head of state organizing the next meeting. The location of the next meeting of the Council is determined, as a rule, in the order of the Russian alphabet of the names of the SCO member states.
The Council of Heads of Government (CHG) adopts the Organization's budget, considers and resolves major issues related to specific issues, especially economic spheres development of interaction within the Organization.
The Council meets for regular meetings once a year. The meeting of the Council is chaired by the head of government (prime minister) of the state in whose territory the meeting is being held. The location of the next meeting of the Council is determined by prior agreement of the heads of government (prime ministers) of the member states.
In addition to the meetings of the CHS and the CST, there is also a mechanism for meetings at the level of heads of parliaments, secretaries of security councils, ministers of foreign affairs, defense, emergency situations, economy, transport, culture, education, healthcare, heads of law enforcement agencies, supreme and arbitration courts, prosecutors general. The coordination mechanism within the SCO is the Council of National Coordinators of the SCO Member States (SNK).
Two non-governmental structures also operate within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a permanent regional international organization founded in June 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Before this, all countries, with the exception of Uzbekistan, were members of the Shanghai Five, political unification, based on the “Agreement on Confidence-Building in the Military Field in the Border Area” (Shanghai, 1996) and the “Agreement on Mutual Reduction armed forces in the border area" (Moscow, 1997).
These two documents laid down a mechanism of mutual trust in the military field in border areas and contributed to the establishment of truly partnership relations. After the inclusion of Uzbekistan in the organization (2001), the “five” became the “six” and was renamed the SCO. In addition, currently four countries - Belarus, Iran, Mongolia and Afghanistan - have observer status in the organization, and six - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, Sri Lanka - are dialogue partners.
The tasks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization initially lay in the sphere of mutual intraregional actions to suppress terrorist acts, separatism and extremism in Central Asia. In June 2002, at the St. Petersburg summit of the heads of state of the SCO, the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was signed (came into force on September 19, 2003). This is the basic statutory document that sets out the goals and principles of the Organization, its structure and main areas of activity. In addition, in 2006, the Organization announced plans to combat the international drug mafia as the financial support of terrorism in the world, and in 2008 - active participation in normalizing the situation in Afghanistan.
In parallel, the activities of the SCO have also acquired a broad economic focus. In September 2003, the heads of government of the SCO member countries signed the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation, designed for 20 years. The long-term goal is to create a free trade zone in the SCO space, and in the short term to intensify the process of creating favorable conditions in the field of trade and investment.
Today, cooperation within the SCO covers the areas of energy, transport, agriculture, telecommunications and many other sectors of the economy. The countries included in it interact widely in the scientific, technical, cultural, educational, tourism, and humanitarian spheres.
In relations within the Organization, the SCO member states proceed from the idea of the “Shanghai spirit”, adhere to the principles of consensus, mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for the diversity of cultures, and the desire for common development. In its foreign relations, the SCO proceeds from the principles of openness, non-affiliation with blocs, and non-direction against third countries.
The highest decision-making body in the SCO is the Council of Heads of Member States, which meets once a year. Countries preside over the Organization alternately, on an annual basis, ending their term of office with a summit.
The SCO has two permanent bodies - the Secretariat in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure in Tashkent. The most important economic instruments are the Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association.
Official working languages are Russian and Chinese.
In accordance with the decision of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Rashid Alimov took up the post of SCO Secretary General in January 2016.
The predecessor of the SCO was the “Shanghai Five” formed in 1996, uniting Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and designed to promote confidence in the military field between the participating countries and the mutual reduction of armed forces in the border area. After the sixth member, Uzbekistan, joined the ranks of the five in 2001, the newly formed “Shanghai Six” was renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The renewed organization has opened up new areas of activity, and to date the SCO has turned into an organization of multi-profile, multi-format cooperation, whose potential and significance international arena increases every year. Still priority direction For the SCO, what remains is the fight against terrorism, separatism, extremism, cross-border crime and drug trafficking.
The growing authority of the SCO confirms the desire of more and more countries to join the organization. In 2004, Mongolia received observer status at the SCO. In 2005, the same status was assigned to a number of eastern countries: India, Iran, Pakistan. On April 28, 2010, another link connecting East and West in the SCO was Belarus, which was admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner. Sri Lanka received the same status. Now the SCO occupies 60 percent of the territory of Eurasia. An organization that involves such territorial, human and economic resources, is doomed to authority and influence.
SCO bodies
The highest decision-making body in the SCO is the Council of Heads of Member States, which meets annually. The Council of Heads of Member States determines priorities and develops the main directions of the Organization's activities. Countries preside over the Organization alternately, on an annual basis, ending their term of office with a summit. In 2010-2011, Kazakhstan presided over the SCO. From January 1, 2010 post Secretary General The SCO is occupied by Muratbek Imanaliev (Kyrgyzstan).
The Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) adopts the Organization's budget, considers and resolves major economic issues in the areas of developing interaction within the Organization.
The Council of Foreign Ministers considers issues of the current activities of the Organization, holding consultations within the Organization on international issues. If necessary, the Council may make statements on behalf of the SCO.
For consideration specific issues to develop interaction within the SCO, meetings of heads of ministries and/or departments are held. Meetings are held in accordance with decisions of the Council of Heads of State and the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers).
The coordination and management of the current activities of the organization is carried out by the Council of National Coordinators.
A permanent body of the SCO is the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the States Parties to the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism of June 15, 2001.
The permanent administrative body of the SCO is the SCO Secretariat. The Secretariat is engaged in organizational and technical support for events held within the SCO, and prepares proposals for the annual budget of the Organization.
Working structures of the SCO
The main working structures of the SCO are the SCO Business Council, the SCO Interbank Association (IBO), the SCO Forum and the SCO Youth Council.
The Business Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established on June 14, 2006 in Shanghai. The SCO Business Council is a non-governmental structure. It brings together the most authoritative representatives of the business community of the SCO member countries. The main goal of the Business Council is to expand economic cooperation within the Organization, establish direct connections and dialogue between the business and financial circles of the SCO member states.
The SCO Interbank Association was created in 2005. The members of the IBO included the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, the State Development Bank of China, Vnesheconombank of Russia, the National Bank of Tajikistan, the National Bank foreign economic activity Uzbekistan. On June 14, 2006 in Shanghai, during the second meeting of the SCO IBO Council, the Savings and Accounts Company of Kyrgyzstan also became a member of the association.
The purpose of the SCO Forum is scientific support for the activities of the SCO, development of interaction between research and political science centers of the SCO member states. The SCO Forum is engaged in conducting joint research on topical issues of the Organization’s terms of reference, explaining the tasks and principles of the SCO’s activities, expanding its relations with scientific and public circles, etc.
The main task of the SCO Youth Council is “cooperation and exchange of experience between representatives younger generation SCO countries in various areas development of a young personality, which could ensure fundamental continuity of the SCO policy and contribute to the implementation of its historical mission.”
Belarus is a partner of the SCO
For Belarus, dialogue with the SCO is an opportunity to join interregional cooperation projects, taking into account the advantageous transit position between East and West. For the SCO, Belarus is an access to the European platform, strengthening ties between East and West. The Memorandum providing for the granting of dialogue partner status to Belarus stipulates a number of mutually beneficial areas for cooperation. Among them are the creation of favorable conditions for trade and investment, increased interaction in customs matters, partnership in matters of regional and global security, and the development of dialogue on foreign policy issues.
Back in December 2005, Belarus submitted an application to join the SCO as an observer country. But due to the decision of the participating countries not to increase the number of observer countries in the near future, the application to Belarus was considered. In 2009, the Belarusian application for dialogue partner status was approved. The practice of interaction with partner countries in the SCO has not yet been developed, but most participating countries are inclined to believe that there will not be much difference in the status of observer and dialogue partner.