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Home » SCO Summit: Putin Embraces Taliban as Allies, Warns Against External Interference

SCO Summit: Putin Embraces Taliban as Allies, Warns Against External Interference

Last Updated on 06/07/2024 by wccexam Desk

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, brought together leaders from various member states to discuss pressing global issues and strengthen regional cooperation. The summit highlighted several key points, including Putin’s declaration of the Taliban as “allies” in the fight against terrorism and the emphasis on resisting external interference.

Key Points from the Summit

Taliban as Allies in the Fight Against Terrorism

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant statement at the summit, labeling the Taliban as “allies” in the fight against terrorism. This move comes despite the Taliban being banned in Russia since 2003. Putin’s stance reflects Moscow’s long-standing support for ties with the Taliban regime, which he recently called for Moscow to “build up” relations with.

The Taliban’s control of Afghanistan has led Putin to view them as allies in the war against terrorism. This move is seen as a strategic shift in Russia’s stance on the Taliban, which has been a banned organization in Russia for over two decades. The Taliban’s role in combating jihadist groups like Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) in Afghanistan has likely influenced Putin’s decision to recognize them as allies.

Resisting External Interference

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of SCO members standing together against external interference. He urged the member states to “join hands to resist external interference, firmly support each other, and take care of each other’s concerns.” This call for unity reflects the growing need for regional cooperation in the face of increasing global tensions and external meddling.

Xi’s statement highlights the SCO’s role in promoting regional security and stability by countering external influences. The organization’s members are united in their opposition to Western hegemony and seek to maintain their sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of external pressures.

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Emergence of New Centers of Power and Economy

Putin also emphasized the emergence of new centers of power and economic growth. He noted that “new centers of power and economic growth are strengthening.” This comment underscores the shifting global power dynamics and the rise of multipolar centers of influence.

The SCO’s expansion and growing influence are seen as a response to the increasing dominance of the United States in global affairs. The organization’s members are working together to create alternative economic and political platforms that can counterbalance Western influence.

SCO’s Role in Global Security

The SCO released a unified proclamation that recognized “tectonic shifts in global politics” and promoted the expanded role of the SCO in regional and international security. The statement highlighted escalating geopolitical conflicts, systematic breaches of international law, and an increase in the use of force.

The SCO’s role in global security is critical, as it provides a platform for cooperation and dialogue among its member states. The organization’s focus on security and economics aims to create a more stable and balanced global environment by countering external interference and promoting regional cooperation.

SCO Membership and Expansion

The SCO has grown significantly since its founding in 2001, with China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Belarus as its full members. The organization accounts for approximately 30% of the global GDP and 40% of the world’s population.

The SCO’s expansion has been marked by internal conflicts, particularly territorial disputes among member nations. Despite these challenges, the organization continues to work towards strengthening regional cooperation and promoting economic ties among its member states.

Regional Influence and Projects

Russia and China are both seeking to increase their regional influence through various projects. Russia hopes to preserve its influence in Central Asia through the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, while China is actively promoting its flagship Belt and Road project to link up China and Europe via Central Asia.

The West is also vying for influence in the region, particularly through the development of alternative transportation routes. The European Union, for instance, is seeking to establish new trade routes through Central Asia to reduce its dependence on Russian and Chinese infrastructure.

Geopolitical Rivalries

The SCO summit highlighted the ongoing geopolitical rivalries between the West and the SCO member states. The organization’s members are united in their opposition to Western hegemony and seek to maintain their sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of external pressures.

The SCO’s role in promoting regional security and stability is critical in this context. By countering external interference and promoting regional cooperation, the organization aims to create a more stable and balanced global environment.

Summit Attendance

The summit was attended by leaders from every member state, including Belarus, which became the ninth full member of the SCO. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also participated in the summit, highlighting the organization’s growing importance in global affairs.

The SCO summit highlighted several key points, including Putin’s declaration of the Taliban as “allies” in the fight against terrorism and the emphasis on resisting external interference. The summit underscored the growing importance of regional cooperation in the face of increasing global tensions and external meddling.

The SCO’s role in promoting regional security and stability is critical, as it provides a platform for cooperation and dialogue among its member states. The organization’s focus on security and economics aims to create a more stable and balanced global environment by countering external interference and promoting regional cooperation.

As the world continues to navigate the complexities of global politics, the SCO’s continued growth and influence will play a significant role in shaping the future of international relations.