On this day 21 years ago, on June 15, 2001, the Heads of State of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan announced the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The first meeting of the heads of the SCO member states took place in Shanghai, the Declaration on the Establishment of the Organization and the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism were signed.

For 21 years, the SCO has followed the “Shanghai Spirit” in domestic policy, and in foreign affairs, adhered to the principles of non-alignment, non-targeting against third countries and openness.

Currently, the SCO acts as a world-class intergovernmental organization, which includes 9 member States, 3 observer States and 6 dialogue partner States, it is an important constructive force in the settlement of Eurasian and international affairs.

Belarus prepared an application for membership yesterday. At the moment, it has observer status.