Shafaqna English- A meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Eurasian bloc, began Tuesday in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov welcomed the heads of state and government at the Yntymak Ordo complex, where the meeting is being held, before the leaders posed for the traditional photo.
In his opening remarks, Japarov noted that the meeting coincides with the bloc’s 25th anniversary, adding that this year’s theme is “Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.”
He said the organization has evolved from a mechanism focused on border security into a global actor with influence on the international stage.
The president said member states account for more than 40% of the world’s population and around a quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP).
Sources: Anadolu Ajansi