A meeting of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries was held in Pakistan, following which a joint statement was signed. It says that the SCO states agreed to develop energy cooperation, confirmed the need to increase payments in national currencies and opposed unilateral sanctions.
“They also oppose protectionist actions, unilateral sanctions and trade restrictions that undermine the multilateral trading system and impede global sustainable development,” says the document, which is published on the SCO website.
The unilateral application of sanctions is incompatible with the principles of international law, the heads of government of the SCO countries emphasized. They also believe that such actions have a negative impact on third countries.
The meeting participants proposed creating an independent settlement and clearing mechanism. They also announced their intention to gradually increase the share of national currencies in mutual settlements.
The document states that the SCO countries are ready to develop cooperation in the energy sector within the framework of the “road map” until 2030. Members of the association also “noted the proposal” to prepare a plan to stimulate investment in renewable energy.
The meeting of the heads of government of the SCO countries was held on October 15 and 16 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin spoke at the general meeting and also took part in trilateral negotiations with the heads of government of China and Mongolia. The SCO includes ten states: Russia, India, China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan . Another 14 countries are members of the organization as dialogue partners.