President Zardari to attend SCO summit

[lem34]

President Zardari to attend SCO summit

BEIJING: President Asif Ali Zardari will attend the upcoming summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a senior Chinese diplomat said here Wednesday.

Besides leaders of the member states, Presidents of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran are also attending the summit slated for June 6-7 in Beijing, said Deputy Foreign Minister Cheng Gaoping at a press conference.

Founded in 2001, the SCO groups China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while Mongolia, Pakistan, Iran and India are observer states in the fold. Belarus and Sri Lanka became SCO dialogue partners in 2010.

China is hosting the summit for the third time since its inception, Cheng said.

He said that the summit will consider requests from Afghanistan as observer and Turkey as dialogue partner in the SCO.

To a question, he said that SCO will work together with the United Nations to play a more active role in addressing Afghanistan issues.

The 12th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO will be held in Beijing on June 6-7. Afghan President Hamid Karzai will attend the meeting as a guest.

"The SCO has been cooperating closely with the Afghan side to address the issues," he said adding that SCO has established a liaison group with Afghanistan and held six rounds of deputy-foreign-minister-level consultations on the issues.

The SCO supports Afghanistan's efforts to realize self-governance and ethnic reconciliation, Cheng added.

"The security and stability of Afghanistan bordering the region of SCO states is closely related to the affairs of SCO members. And Turkey as an important country in this region has good ties with SCO members. The admission of the two countries will help them and SCO states to jointly counter terrorism, separatism and extremism as well as drug trafficking and cross-border crime." Cheng says.

Cheng Guoping said that while the SCO welcomes new applicants to the group, any application has to get the full support of the organization.

"Since its establishment, SCO members have unanimously agreed to jointly seek stability, cooperation and development. Moreover, the SCO is characterized by its "Shanghai Spirit", which advocates mutual trust, mutual benefits, equality, respect for cultural diversity and common development. " Cheng explained.

President Zardari to attend SCO summit - thenews.com.pk


Now this is the place that should decide Afghanistan's future not Nato in Chicago

 

[lem34]

Afghanistan, Turkey Expected to Join SCO
2012-05-23 15:53:39 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Zhangxu


Chinese vice foreign minister Cheng Guoping speaks during a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

By CRI Reporter Zhang Xu

One of China's vice foreign ministers says he fully expects the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to bring Afghanistan and Turkey into the SCO's fold at their forthcoming summit next month.

Afghanistan and Turkey are expected to join the Shanghai Cooperation organization (SCO) respectively as an observer and a dialogue partner at the group's Beijing summit in June, according to the Chinese vice foreign minister.

Turkey is looking to be folded in as a dialogue partner.

Afghanistan is expected to gain full observer status.

Chinese vice foreign minister Cheng Guoping says their respective applications will be decided upon by consensus.

"The security and stability of Afghanistan bordering the region of SCO states is closely related to the affairs of SCO members. And Turkey as an important country in this region has good ties with SCO members. The admission of the two countries will help them and SCO states to jointly counter terrorism, separatism and extremism as well as drug trafficking and cross-border crime." Cheng says.

Cheng notes this would be the first time the SCO has admitted a new observer since 2005, and a new dialogue partner since 2009.

Since its foundation in 2001, the regional group has six permanent members, including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia are permanent observers to the group.

Belarus and Sri Lanka became SCO dialogue partners in 2010.

Muratbek Imanaliev, Secretary General of the SCO, contends the SCO's expansion is a direct result of the group's increasing international influence.

Imanaliev says the SCO wants to increase the speed by which it admits new members.

"At present, Iran, India and Pakistan have applied to join the organization as full members. SCO states have supported these applications and have conducted systematic research and deliberation." Imanaliev says.

Chinese vice foreign minister Cheng Guoping says while the SCO welcomes new applicants to the group, any application has to get the full support of the organization.

"All the SCO members have the same standpoint over SCO expansion. We welcome applications to join the SCO; however, relative experts must carry out the necessary preparation and background research when considering such applications. Meanwhile, admission should only be endorsed by consensus and we shouldn't set a timetable for admission." Cheng says.

The SCO is viewed by some observers as a regional counter-balance to NATO.

However, Cheng Guoping notes the SCO is not a military organization.

"Since its establishment, SCO members have unanimously agreed to jointly seek stability, cooperation and development. Moreover, the SCO is characterized by its "Shanghai Spirit", which advocates mutual trust, mutual benefits, equality, respect for cultural diversity and common development. So, the group doesn't possess a military function." Cheng explains.

The forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit is due to be held in Beijing on June 6th and 7th

 

[Hyde]

This is probably the best platform that suites Pakistan a lot. Only if we can somehow become permanent member and have a better say in this organisation.

Trade among the SCO nations + Pakistan is win-win situation for all nations and Pakistan's exports could increase dramatically. Of course SCO nations will also be able to benefit from the warm waters of Pakistan!

 

[lem34]

SCO as a counter to NATO?
May 16, 2012
Andrei Ilyashenko, RIR

Although for many years the SCO treaded cautiously in making foreign policy statements, the organization is evolving.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is to step up its foreign policy efforts. Source

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is in for major changes, judging by the outcomes of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers in China’s capital ahead of the SCO summit scheduled to be held in Beijing on June 6-7.

The SCO was designed in the 1990s as an institution to build up confidence between Russia, China and four Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – primarily in the military sector. The SCO member states were united by the common threat of Islamic fundamentalism, kindled by the dominance of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization trapped in identity searches
However, in the early 2000s, the SCO shifted its focus to combating international terrorism and drug trafficking, as well as cooperation in economic and humanitarian areas. The organization held reasonable, well-balanced positions on international issues and pursued a very cautious policy, never giving analysts reasons to treat it as a serious political, let alone military alliance. India, Pakistan, Iran and Mongolia joined the SCO as observers, while Belarus and Sri Lanka became “dialogue partners.”

But times have changed, and the SCO has changed along with them. The crises in the Middle East, including those triggered by the Arab Spring, the role that Western countries played there, and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, and more importantly, from Afghanistan, called for a major revision to the SCO’s approaches and prompted the organization to step up its foreign policy efforts.

As it appears from the speech Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered at the recent Shanghai meeting, from now on, the SCO will formulate a common policy for all its participants if crises should emerge in the region. It appears that the new mechanism will be launched as early as next month, on the eve of an international conference on Afghanistan, slated for June 14 in Kabul.

“The situation in Afghanistan and around it raises major concerns. We should actively participate in all international discussions on Afghanistan-related problems, coordinating our positions,” Lavrov said. The SCO will obviously take into consideration the decisions of the NATO summit in Chicago, which will take place during the final week of May and address the situation in that country.

Previous statements by the Russian Foreign Ministry made it clear that the nature of the U.S. and NATO military presence in Afghanistan will top the agenda. Moscow and Beijing argue against the continued presence of foreign troops, whose functions go well beyond mere policing there. Moscow would also like to hear a report on the implementation of the UN resolution that served as the basis for carrying out the military campaign in Afghanistan. The SCO’s consolidated position will substantially support the efforts of Russia and China in this area.

Moscow and Beijing’s demands will be backed even more strongly if the number of SCO member states or associated countries grows. During the recent meeting, Lavrov called for approving the SCO membership requests filed by India and Pakistan. Furthermore, the organization is close to deciding in favor of giving Afghanistan observer status and making Turkey a dialogue partner.

It’s impossible not to notice that the SCO has gone beyond the scope of regional problems.

At the meeting in Beijing, the draft final declaration of the SCO member states was adopted. According to RIA Novosti sources in the Russian delegation, the document condemns the U.S. anti-ballistic missile program. RIA Novosti quotes a part of the document, which reads that unilateral unlimited expansion of the anti-ballistic missile system may damage international security and strategic stability. This statement clearly supports Moscow’s efforts to deter the U.S. anti-ballistic missile plans, which, if implemented, may devalue Russia’s strategic potential. However, China is also interested in deterring the U.S., as its nuclear forces are even more vulnerable.

A consolidated SCO position on anti-ballistic missile systems has the potential to become a significant counterweight to NATO’s plans in this area.

However, judging by the published documents and statements, there are no plans to give the SCO military and defence functions. It is possible, though, as the newspaper Kommersant reported, that some additional instruments are contained in the strategy for further development of the organization, which will have to be approved by the heads of the SCO states. The essence of the strategy remains undisclosed, since it is still under negotiation

 

[PakShah]

As-salamulaikum,

We need to improve our bilateral relations with Russia a lot. We should try to set up a Pakistan-China-Russia-Myanmar axis.

 

[lem34]

As-salamulaikum,

We need to improve our bilateral relations with Russia a lot. We should try to set up a Pakistan-China-Russia-Myanmar axis.

Why not Russia China Pakistan Iran after all America is crossing all 4 countries red lines. Putin is coming to Pakistan later in the year I think I read soemwhere

 

[PakShah]

Why not Russia China Pakistan Iran after all America is crossing all 4 countries red lines. Putin is coming to Pakistan later in the year I think I read soemwhere

I think Iran's foreign relations are troubled. Even in one of the articles posted, India started obeying uncle sam and ditching Iran.

Even when Pakistan was about to build a pipeline with Iran, a Chinese bank refused to pay the agreement.
China still needs to buy some time to be stronger.

We cannot be unjust to ourselves. We need to save our selves first.

 

[lem34]

I think Iran's foreign relations are troubled. Even in one of the articles posted, India started obeying uncle sam and ditching Iran.

Even when Pakistan was about to build a pipeline with Iran, a Chinese bank refused to pay the agreement.
China still needs to buy some time to be stronger.

We cannot be unjust to ourselves. We need to save our selves first.

I did not suggest Iran because it would be a one way traffic. Russia and Iran would be able to control world gas price I think combined reserves would be above 50% world resources. I think Iran would have much to offer the grouping.

 

[kawaraj]

nice development SCO, that certainly will put another observer nation in awkward situation.

this is a real platform where we can stage our role. Damn't it NATO Chicago Summit which's a real scandal to the world.

 

[iajj]

man, think of a military alliance of russia, china, iran and pakistain - it is a landmass with infinite strategic depth, with endless resources, human powers, easily autonomous in trade and economy, with enough military to wipe out any enemies on land and monopolize the supercontinent for itself. it is the napoleon system writ ten times larger that can completely turn anglo-americans' naval power against itself

in the short term, we can start with afghanistan: these countries represent all neighboring countries who actually have high stakes in the stability of afghanistan. the agreements they make (but need not make public) will be the only ones that can meaningly bring a close to the civil war and terror that anglo-americans introduced this the midst of our neighborhood.

 

[lem34]

Afghan, Turkish SCO ties sought
Updated: 2012-05-24 08:13

By Wu Jiao and Zhang Yunbi (China Daily)

Two countries with close ties to the West are keen to get closer to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as it enhances its security and economic cooperation in a changing regional environment.
Deputy Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping said at a briefing in Beijing on Wednesday that the upcoming SCO summit, scheduled for June 6 and 7, will review applications from Afghanistan for observer status and from Turkey as a dialogue partner.
The SCO member countries will make a decision on the applications based on coordination and consensus, Cheng said.
Both of the countries have closely interacted with the West, with Afghanistan hosting the US-led NATO anti-terrorism mission, and Turkey as a member of NATO.
Established in 2001, the SCO currently has Russia, China and four Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - as full members. India, Pakistan, Iran and Mongolia are observers, and Belarus and Sri Lanka are dialogue partners.
The bloc has been focusing on regional security and business cooperation.
Analysts said the interest shown by more countries in the SCO means that the number of world powers that recognize it as a serious player is growing.
But Qu Xing, director of the China Institute of International Studies, warned that the SCO should learn a lesson from the rapid expansion of the European Union, which gave rise to potential frictions within the bloc.
"Members might differ on the same topic. The SCO should first deepen its mutual trust and cooperation before cautiously taking in new members or partners."
The Voice of Russia quoted analyst Stanislav Tarasov as saying that the move with Turkey is a "real breakthrough".
"Turkey has been sticking to pro-Western policies. It has been trying to join the EU for 10 years, but it was in vain. So now it has to develop a new scenario of drifting to the east, which implies changes in Turkey's foreign policy," Tarasov said.
Ankara applied for dialogue partner status in October. Partner states are not entitled to take part in all SCO events and do not have access to the non-public documents of the organization.
Yao Kuangyi, former Chinese ambassador to Turkey, said Ankara is an active regional player and interacts with all SCO members.
"Turkey's participation will contribute to the security and stability of the Eurasian region," Yao said, adding that Turkey wants to expand its influence in the Central Asian region, with which it has a similar cultural background.
Afghanistan applied for observer status in April, against the backdrop of the US and NATO withdrawal from the country, which is planned to take place in 2014.
Cheng said internal issues in Afghanistan have affected regional security and stability, and the SCO will work with the United Nations to play a more active role in addressing Afghan-related issues, Cheng said.
Sun Zhuangzhi, a Central Asian Studies scholar at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said Afghanistan's participation would strengthen the SCO's anti-drugs and anti-terrorism efforts.
The SCO has established a liaison group with Afghanistan and held six rounds of deputy-foreign-minister-level consultations on the issues.
The forthcoming SCO summit will adopt several major documents, which will guide and enhance cooperation in the organization amid a changing regional scenario.
According to Cheng, member countries will adopt a key development plan for the SCO, the first such development guideline in its history.
The SCO will also modify a 2009 foreign policy coordination mechanism that coordinates members' anti-crisis efforts, and approve a cooperation program to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism.
The summit will also see progress in building a transnational transportation network and speeding up the process of setting up a regional bank.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier this month that following the June SCO summit, the range of functions of the organization will be "significantly enhanced".
From now on, the SCO will formulate a unified policy for all its participants in case of crises in the region, said Lavrov.
Turbulence in the Middle East, the US withdrawal from Iraq, and the forthcoming completion of the US/NATO mission in Afghanistan demanded the SCO make due changes, said analysts.
Sun said this situation made the SCO members more aware of the previous shortcomings in terms of cooperation within the bloc.
The latest developments will have an immediate influence on SCO members' security cooperation, said Sun.
Putin's China visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China next month, a move that analysts said underscores the importance the current Russian leadership attaches to Moscow-Beijing ties.
Cheng said at Wednesday's briefing that Putin, who is due to attend the SCO summit in Beijing, will pay a state visit to China at that time.
China will be Putin's first destination outside the Commonwealth of Independent States, a group of former Soviet republics, since he was sworn in as Russian president earlier this month.
Liu Guchang, China's ambassador to Russia from 2003 to 2009, said Putin's visit is a prudent political arrangement that sends positive signals to the global community that China and Russia view each other as key partners.
Apart from bilateral ties, Liu said the Chinese and Russian leaders will focus their discussion on world and regional issues, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Liu also said the two countries will release a joint political declaration, showing their consensus on major world issues.

 

[itaskol]

welcome to SCO. If Pakistan join SCO first, india will never have a chance become a SCO member.

 

[SamranAli]

how much will it take the time for Pakistan to become full member? Any guess?

 

[explorer9]

https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/i...ZCq7wLHY6GgkJxR3XP6ywKb6Tssx2ro9Oi9RVcEZFfau3
President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Pakistan's recently emerging strategic partner, Turkey is an important member of NATO & and Pakistani politicians biggest friend Saudi Arabia is very close to NATO pivot USA so i think Pakistani military leadership is waiting for American withdrawal from Afghanistan to draw a complete picture of Military alliance.

 

[itaskol]

how much will it take the time for Pakistan to become full member? Any guess?

it depends on Russia. If russia agree with china. it will be very soon.
china want pakistan be full member of SCO, but russia want india be full member of SCO.

the final compromise could be: both pakistan and india get full membership at same time. or both not.
and Iran get the full membership.