SCO Membership: Russia and Belarus Foster Closer Relations
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently paid an official visit to Belarus, where he met with his counterpart Sergey Aleinik, President Alexander Lukashenko, and speakers of both chambers of parliament. The primary focus of the visit was to align the two countries’ foreign policies and explore new initiatives in the Eurasian format.
Eurasian Integration Takes Centre Stage
During the visit, Lavrov and his counterparts discussed ways to enhance Eurasian integration, a crucial aspect of their bilateral cooperation. Belarus is now poised to take a significant step forward by joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a full member.
First Act of the Astana Summit: Belarus’ SCO Membership
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to discuss Belarus’ SCO membership. Lavrov confirmed that the SCO will officially accept Belarus as a full member at the Astana summit on July 3-4. He emphasized that all agreements regarding Belarus’ membership have been finalized.
The Russian diplomat stated, “The official admission of Belarus as a full-fledged SCO member will be the first move penciled in on the Astana summit minutes.” Furthermore, Lavrov assured that Belarus will participate in the summit as an equal ally with other SCO members. Furthermore, Lavrov assured that Belarus will participate in the summit as an equal ally with other SCO members. President Lukashenko expressed gratitude for Russia’s support in Belarus’ journey to join the organization. He highlighted the importance of SCO membership for Belarus, noting its significance in terms of reputation, politics, and economic opportunities.
The very first act of the summit in Astana will be the official acceptance of Belarus as a full member of the SCO,” Lavrov stated. “Throughout the rest of the summit, Belarus will participate on an equal footing with all other members.”
Significance of SCO Membership for Belarus
Belarus’ SCO membership will strengthen its relationship with Russia and elevate its regional status. As a result, the country will gain access to new cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities. Consequently, this will boost Belarus’ economic growth and development prospects. Furthermore, full SCO membership will allow Belarus to participate in key regional decisions. Additionally, it will enhance the country’s ability to address shared challenges with other member states. Overall, this move positions Belarus for greater influence and prosperity within the Eurasian region. Finally, it opens doors for expanded partnerships and collaborative initiatives across various sectors.
Bilateral Cooperation: A Key Component of Eurasian Integration
The foreign ministers of Belarus and Russia held productive discussions on bilateral cooperation. As a result, they signed a key document outlining the foreign policy aspects of integration. This move strengthens the partnership between the two nations within the Union State framework. Furthermore, it paves the way for enhanced collaboration in trade, energy, and security sectors. Lavrov and Lukashenko discussed Belarus’ imminent SCO membership during their talks. The Astana summit, scheduled for July 3-4, will finalize Belarus’ full membership in the organization.
Lavrov confirmed that they have reached all agreements regarding Belarus’ admission. He stated, “The official admission of Belarus as a full-fledged SCO member will be the first move penciled in on the Astana summit minutes.” Furthermore, Lavrov assured that Belarus will participate in the summit as an equal ally with other SCO members. President Lukashenko expressed gratitude for Russia’s support in Belarus’ journey to join the organization. He emphasized the importance of SCO membership for Belarus, highlighting its significance in terms of reputation, politics, and economic opportunities.
BRICS Membership on Hold, Partner Countries in the Pipeline
During a meeting with Natalia Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Lavrov revealed that the BRICS countries had decided to pause in expanding their membership. However, work is underway to create categories of partner countries that would precede full BRICS membership.
Belarus will become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The country expects to finalize its full membership at the SCO summit in Astana on July 4, 2024. This development marks a significant step for Belarus, as it will join the organization as its tenth full member.
This milestone will bolster Eurasian integration and enhance Russia-Belarus bilateral ties. Moreover, the upcoming Astana summit marks a pivotal moment in regional history. It will usher in a new era of collaboration among SCO member states. Consequently, this increased cooperation is expected to drive economic growth and stability throughout the region. Furthermore, it will create opportunities for shared prosperity and strengthen diplomatic relations. As a result, Belarus and other SCO members can look forward to a future of enhanced partnerships and mutual benefits.