SCO Statement Condemns 'Interference In Internal Affairs'

Wires carrying comments from the joint statement issued by leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) following the conclusion of today's virtual leaders' summit. Statement: "SCO is not directed against other states and international organisations and is open to broad cooperation with them....[SCO leaders] Oppose the resolution of international and regional issues through collectivisation, ideology and confrontational thinking.'

• SCO leaders say "Interference in the internal fairs of other states under the pretext of combating terrorism and extremism is not permitted."
• SCO leaders say "Unilateral, unlimited expansion of global missile defence systems by certain countries or groups of countries has a negative impact on international security and stability."
• SCO leaders: "Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan reaffirm support for Belt & Road initiative proposed by China."
• The continued expansion of the SCO (Iran was formally admitted to the group today) will come as some concern to the US and broader G7 grouping of industrialised nations. In particular India's prominent position within the SCO comes in spite of Western efforts to bring the country onto their side, lined up against China and Russia, with membership of the Quadrilateral Security dialogue and reliable invites to G7 summits.