SCO backs China’s Belt & Road Initiative

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisa­tion (SCO) on Wednesday reaffirmed their strong support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), despite India blocking a consensus on the sweeping infrastructure project. However, all member states unified in the criticism of Western unilateral sanctions and protectionist trade practices. A joint communique issued at the end of the 23rd Council of Heads of Government meeting of SCO member states said that Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan “while reaffirming support for the People’s Republic of China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative noted ongoing work on joint implementation of the project, including efforts to bridge the Eurasian Economic Union and OBOR”. The meeting was held to discuss and agree on strategies for enhancing regional cooperation and promoting connectivity and economic growth.