On January 13, 2026, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Batyr Tursunov met with Zhang Yuanming, Director of the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretariat in Beijing.

1. Tursunov emphasized the growing importance of ecology and environmental protection on the cooperation agenda within the Organization. He noted the expanding cooperation among SCO member states in applied research, the implementation of advanced green technologies, and the training of specialized personnel, as well as the important role of the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the CAS in these processes.

Zhang Yuanming, in turn, briefed the participants on the main areas of work of his Institute and joint projects with partners in SCO countries. Particular attention is paid to cooperation in areas such as ecological restoration, combating desertification, preserving biodiversity, and sustainable development. The “Scientific and Technical Information Exchange Platform of SCO Member States,” the activities of the Central Asian Research Center for Ecology and Environment, and the research and observation stations were noted as important forms of practical cooperation. The institute also maintains close ties with international organizations, including the UN.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain working contacts.

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