President Mirziyoyev names problems creating serious risks for sustainable development

“In the context of a lack of trust and mutual understanding in the world, confrontations and conflicts, numerous challenges to stability and security have intensified. Serious risks for sustainable development are posed by the following problems of our time: climate change, lack of water and natural resources, socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, energy and food security crisis,” Mirziyoyev said.

He also stressed that the global demand for mutual trust, justice and solidarity is growing in the world. In this regard, the continuation of open and constructive dialogue is needed more than ever.

“The activity of our organization demonstrates to the world that such a dialogue is possible. Thanks to its firm commitment to the principles of openness and non-alignment, the SCO strengthens mutually beneficial relations between member countries and successfully deepens international cooperation. The composition of the SCO is expanding, our partnerships are developing,” he said.

Today, a memorandum was signed on the obligations of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a full member of the organization. Memorandums were also inked on granting the status of dialogue partners to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar.

In addition, a decision was made to start procedures for granting the Republic of Belarus the status of a full member of the SCO, and the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Maldives, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar – the status of dialogue partners.

“The expansion of the geographical scope of the SCO is another confirmation of the demand for our organization, which demonstrates efficiency, mutual understanding and dynamism,” Mirziyoyev concluded.