New Delhi, July 04: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday raised issues such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, terrorism, climate change, non-discriminatory trade policies in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting and appealed to find a common solution to conflicts at the global level.
It is noteworthy that the countries of Central Asia and China, Russia and Pakistan are also part of the organization.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is in Astana, Kazakhstan to attend the SCO summit. Here at the summit, the Foreign Minister read the Prime Minister’s statement.
In this, the Prime Minister said that the SCO is a principle-based organization, whose consensus drives the approach of its member countries. We have also agreed not to take any steps contrary to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries.
Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is necessary for connectivity and infrastructure projects. Similarly, there are non-discriminatory trade rights and transit arrangements. The SCO needs to seriously consider these aspects.
Prime Minister Modi said that combating terrorism is one of the core objectives of the SCO. If this problem is left unaddressed, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. Terrorism cannot be justified in any way. A decisive response to cross-border terrorism is necessary and terrorism financing and recruitment must be strongly countered. We should also take active steps to prevent radicalism from spreading among the youth.
On the issue of climate change, the Prime Minister said that it is a major concern for us today. We are working towards committed reduction in emissions.
Prime Minister Modi began his statement by congratulating Iran for joining the organization as a member and expressed deep condolences on the tragic demise of President Raisi and others in a helicopter crash. He said that today we have gathered here against the backdrop of the impact of the pandemic, conflict, rising tensions and lack of trust across the world. These events have put significant pressure on international relations and global economic growth. Some problems have been aggravated by globalization. Our aim is to find common ground to minimise the impact of these developments.
