Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov took part in the 9th Meeting of Council of Heads of Government of Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization held on Monday in a video conference format.
According to a press release issued by Turkmen Foreign Ministry, during the meeting, high-ranking representatives of the SCO member states and observer states discussed a wide spectrum of issues related to the main functions of the organization, namely, cooperation in the area of politics and security, trade- economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.
The head of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry in his speech emphasized the strengthening reputation of SCO in the international arena and promising areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the organization. The Minister also noted the importance of involving the SCO potential in the expansion of the trade-economic ties and drew a parallel between the constructive tasks which Turkmenistan and SCO set for themselves.
In particular, the initiatives of Turkmenistan in the field of transport focused on connecting the main flows along the South-North and East-West routes were highlighted, which has good prospects for the SCO countries and creates additional opportunities for diversifying Eurasian trade and economic ties and stimulating interregional partnership.
In this context, a proposal was made to develop joint projects, including through the use of a diversified port infrastructure created on the coast of Turkmenistan and the capabilities of the Turkmen merchant fleet.
It was emphasized that Turkmenistan is ready to discuss with the SCO the development of mutually acceptable projects, including in the fields of industry, transport and innovative technologies.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization founded in Shanghai in June 2001. The organization’s headquarter is located in China’s capital, Beijing. The main objectives of the SCO are to strengthen relations among member states, promote cooperation in political affairs, economics and trade, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection, safeguard regional peace, security, and stability; and create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order.
