Putin shares his vision of SCO development during Russia’s chairmanship

Bishkek, June 14, 2019. /Kabar/. President of Russia Vladimir Putin has shared Russian vision of the Organization’s work during its chairmanship speaking at the extended format meeting of the SCO Summit in Bishkek.
At the beginning of his speech Putin noted that he fully agrees with the positive assessments of his counterparts regarding the development of the Organization. According to his words, the SCO is indeed developing successfully and strengthening its positions in regional affairs, making a significant contribution to ensuring peace, security and stability in Eurasia.
"I would like to propose our vision of the future directions of the organization’s work in 2019-2020 in connection with Russia’s presidency in it. One of the main priority tasks remains the fight against terrorism and extremism. I consider important to increase cooperation within the SCO regional anti-terrorist structures, to block the financial support of terrorists from the proceeds of drug trafficking and do everything to prevent biological, chemical and other weapons of mass destruction from falling into their hands," he said.
Putin added that Russia also supports close, joint work to suppress the propaganda of terrorism and extremism ideas on the Internet and the use of information and communication technologies for criminal purposes. The concept of cooperation in the field of digitalization and information and communication technologies, which is being adopted today, should strengthen cooperation in this area. Undoubtedly, there are issues on resolving crisis situations and peaceful settlement of conflicts near the external borders of the SCO member states during the Russia’s chairmanship in the SCO.
Putin noted that the situation in Afghanistan requires special attention. "Afghans need help in achieving national unity and economic recovery," he said. Putin stressed that the Russian side fully supports the plan to expand the organization's cooperation with Afghanistan in economic and humanitarian cooperation and security.
"Russia also intends to focus on strengthening mutually beneficial economic ties between the SCO member states. We propose to think jointly about new promising projects in trade, industry, energy, infrastructure, science, technology and innovation. The Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association could play an important role in this. Expansion of mutually beneficial and regional trade, investment and humanitarian contacts will certainly contribute to the creation of a new mechanism within the framework of the Organization," the President of the Russian Federation said.