MOSCOW, November 8. /TASS/. Russia has great expectations with regard to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which has a mighty potential and differs from "the narrow-block structures" of the West, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview to the country’s Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper, published on Wednesday.
"We have great expectations for the SCO, which brings together 26 states, since this structure has a strong consolidated political and economic capacity and covers a geographical area extending from South and Southeast Asia to the Middle East and Europe," Putin said.
In his opinion, the SCO attracts with its focus on creation and multifaceted cooperation, mutual consideration of interests, equality, openness, and respect for cultural and civilizational diversity.
"This compares favorably our organization with the "narrow-block" structures with the small number of chosen participants that are promoted by the Western countries," Putin said.
According to the Russian leader, the constructive SCO role in ensuring peace and sustainable development has been reaffirmed in the thematic resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted on August 28, 2023.
"We support the priorities of 2023-2024 Kazakhstan Presidency in the SCO aimed at enhancing its authority and influence in the international arena. We will work towards achieving the goals agreed upon by the SCO leaders in order to further consolidate the organization," Putin said.
In his opinion, member states should pay a particular attention to the implementation of high-level decisions aimed at improving the SCO performance in order to adapt it to present-day realities and enforce the impact of joint measures.
"I am sure that these goals will be achieved together by all partners," Putin concluded.