President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, colleagues,
I fully share the statements made by my colleagues and their positive assessments of the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its growing prestige in international affairs. Indeed, the SCO has become the largest regional organisation in the world. As previous speakers have pointed out, over half of the world’s population lives in SCO member states, which account for about 25 percent of global GDP and have a powerful intellectual and technological potential and a considerable part of global natural resources.
At the same time, the SCO is not marking time but continues to develop and build up its role in addressing international and regional issues and maintaining peace, security and stability throughout the vast Eurasian space. Colleagues, this is especially important in the current complicated international situation, about which we have talked in detail during our restricted-attendance meeting.
However, I would like to repeat that global politics and economy are about to undergo fundamental and irreversible changes. The growing role of new centres of power is coming into sharp focus, and interaction among these new centres is not based on some rules, which are being forced on them by external forces and which nobody has seen, but on the universally recognised principles of the rule of international law and the UN Charter, namely, equal and indivisible security and respect for each other’s sovereignty, national values and interests.
It is on these principles, which are devoid of all elements of egoism, that the joint efforts of SCO member states are based in politics and the economy. This opens up broad prospects for continued mutually beneficial cooperation in politics, the economy, culture, humanitarian and other spheres.
Fighting terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, organised crime and illegal armed formations remains a priority of our cooperation. Other key areas include providing assistance in the political and diplomatic settlement of conflicts along our external borders, including in Afghanistan.
Strengthening economic cooperation has traditionally been a critical part of the SCO’s activities. Our joint efforts are designed to expand trade and investment exchanges, carry out mutually beneficial business projects in various industries, and to increase the volume of settlements in national currencies.
As noted above, including by the President of Kazakhstan, we are open to working with the whole world. The SCO is a non-bloc association. We help addressing the energy and food problems that are growing globally as a result of certain systemic errors in the world’s leading economies in the field of finance and energy. Our policy is not selfish. We hope that other participants in economic cooperation will build their policies on the same principles and stop using the tools of protectionism, illegal sanctions and economic selfishness to their own advantage.
The European Commission’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian fertilisers is a vivid example of such selfish behaviour. We are aware of the fertilisers’ important role in overcoming the food problem. Of course, we welcome the decision to lift the sanctions. But it turns out that, in accordance with the clarification of the European Commission of September 10, these sanctions were lifted only for EU countries. It turns out that they are the only ones who can purchase our fertilisers. What about the developing poorest countries around the world?
Taking advantage of the presence of UN Under-Secretary-General [Rosemary] DiCarlo, I would like to ask the UN Secretariat – I discussed this matter with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the day before yesterday – to use its influence on the European Commission’s decision not in word, but in deed and to demand that they, our colleagues from the European Commission, lift these clearly discriminatory restrictions on developing countries and provide access for Russian fertilisers to their markets.
Also, the day before yesterday I apprised Secretary-General Guterres of the fact that 300,000 tonnes of Russian fertilisers are stocked at the EU seaports. We are ready to make them available to developing countries for free.
I would also like to note that Russia is increasing its grain exports to international markets. This year, it is going to be 30 million tonnes, and next year it will be 50 million tonnes with 90 percent of our food exports going to the markets of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Undoubtedly, the ongoing summit’s decisions and documents to improve the efficiency of international transport corridors, to expand intraregional, to advance industrial and scientific and technical cooperation, and to introduce high-tech solutions in agriculture and healthcare will promote further development of business ties within the SCO.
It is also important to advance cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the SCO.
Agreements and memorandums on cooperation in tourism and museology that will be signed during today’s meeting will serve as the next step forward on this path.
It appears that opportunities are good for stepping up sports cooperation and potentially holding major sporting events with SCO sponsorship. To do this, we could think about creating an association of sports organisations under our association.
Friends,
It was noted earlier today during the restricted-attendance meeting that the SCO states focus on expanding cooperation with countries that seek to establish an open and equal dialogue with our organisation and are interested in joining it. In this context, Russia, no doubt, favours the earliest possible accession of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the SCO, which is what the documents and the memorandum that will be signed today are designed to accomplish. We are convinced that Iran’s full-fledged participation will be beneficial for the association, as that country plays an important role in the Eurasian region and the world at large.
We also fully stand behind the decision submitted for approval by the Heads of State Council to start the process of admitting the Republic of Belarus as an SCO member. Let me be clear that we have always advocated that Belarus, which is Russia’s strategic partner and closest ally, should participate fully in the SCO. This will undoubtedly improve our ability to advance unity in politics, the economy, security and humanitarian matters.
Of course, we welcome the granting of SCO dialogue partner status to Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as the commencement of the procedure for obtaining this status by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Maldives, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, there are more countries desirous of cooperating with the SCO in various capacities, and applications from other states and international associations deserve our utmost attention and favourable consideration.
In closing, I would like to thank President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the hospitality and excellent organisation of our work, and to congratulate Uzbekistan on its successful SCO chairmanship. I would also like to wish every success to our Indian friends who are taking over the chairmanship today.
Thank you for your attention.
“It is on these principles, which are devoid of all elements of egoism, that the joint efforts of SCO member states are based in politics and the economy. This opens up broad prospects for continued mutually beneficial cooperation in politics, the economy, culture, humanitarian and other spheres.” Great, and well said.
Deeds and details reveal reality. What metrics is the SCO using to measure its real progress and achievements?
In which SCO countries can one use Russia’s MIR cards? Can one use Mir card in China, India… ? How about China’s UnionPay cards? If they haven’t achieved this basic level integration then all their narratives are just talk. They need to define and implement a common interoperable payment standard, without this SCO is meaningless.
What % of SCO’s international trade is in the US$? What is the multiple currencies breakdown of the SCO members trade? What PAYMENT NETWORKS are SCO members using for their payment to each other? SCO needs to conduct their trade in respective national currencies and not Empire’s private currencies, and define a common standard to value their currencies. There is no sovereignty without MONETARY SOVEREIGNTY.
@ Max
You have brought up valid points and unfortunately SCO is mostly words not matching with deeds. The main thing is China, despite its rivalry with the US Imperium , is not willing at this juncture, to totally break free from the Empire. The Empire is in decline and China is in ascendant but that ascendancy is incomplete and not without the Chinamerica symbiosis/parasitism. China is unwilling to break this bond(China still benefits, especially in business and transfer of technology from Chinamerica rather than an abrupt decoupling) although it needs to ensure Russia doesn’t lose this proxy war with the Imperium(if Russia loses and breaks up, the game is over and China will be ripe for the killing by the Imperium). China feels it is not yet ready or strong enough to take on the Imperium. I even wonder if Beijing reckons Russian military action in Ukraine is , although they understand Russia ‘s situation, an inconvenience and annoyance to China’s plans to deal with the Imperium, and incorrect timing. So , China is doing a tightrope balancing act – and clumsily at times.
The Eurasian bloc is still weaker and an underdog to the Euro-Atlantic bloc. The former is United by a common threat/enemy ie US/West but are divided by different goverment systems , different self-interest , internal squabbles amongst themselves(eg China Vs India), tight-rope balancing the interests of their allies within SCO (eg China , India ties with Russia Vs trade with US/EU, Kazakhstan’s “betrayal” towards Russia)Vs threats from the Euro-Atlantic bloc, taking advantage of allies within SCO(eg Russia and Iran need Chinese economic support due to massive sanctions and the Chinese will and are exploiting this to get good deals for themselves ) and devoid of a common ideology. Russian military action in Ukraine poses a difficulty for “moral posturing ” by the likes of China which likes to portray itself as a peaceful superpower , non invasive Vs an invasive, barbarian, warmongering and belligerent West. The West portrays the SMO as a Russian invasion of independent Ukraine -as a powerful/big(Russia) bullying the weak/small (Ukraine) narrative although we know it is actually Russia Vs NATO/collective West in reality. The optics is that of an ‘invasion’ by a “bully”, though….easy to sell to the common folks than a nuanced and detailed explanation. And there is the Taiwan thing. If China approves of Russian SMO openly and forms a true formal Sino-Russian alliance, US will accuse China of supporting a Russia interfering with the internal affairs of Ukraine and China can then no longer accuse US of interfering with Chinese internal affairs in the Taiwan matter as hypocritical . So, the SMO is problematic for China’s moralistic geopolitical posturing . SCO – which is based on Sino-Russian realism and pragmatism – is thus divided by realism , this is exploited by the Imperium. SCO demonstrates the limitations of realism/pragmatism.
Whereas the former still has USD hegemony, the most potent soft power as propaganda tools, a global financial/economic hegemony to be manipulated upon to punish any rivals/opponents and United by ideological fanaticism (liberal democracy, capitalism, woke/ progressive/gender confused/green plants-worshipping ‘morality’) . Most importantly their population are in the majority fully devoted to their crazy quasi-religious ideology. It doesn’t matter if the ideology is unsustainable over the long term, is “anticivilizational”and will eventually lead to Western socioeconomic collapse in the future(which I believe to be the case and will be the fate of humanity on a global scale if the Imperium triumphs). Nevermind that the Imperium values are morally bankrupt and corrupt – even such bad values can be a unifying rally. The importance is now, the current moment – elites (financial, middle/educated class and ruling class -the ones who truly matter) in the global south are too enthralled by the lifestyle and prestige of the Imperium, too fat and comfortable to resist or fight. Therein lies the power of Imperial ideology – they appeal to the carnal and animal desires of our humanity : social liberalism and woke/progressive – to our lusts and vanity, capitalism -to our greed and avarice.
Perhaps one single event that may alter the circumstance is a China provoked by the US /Imperium that the calculus of breaking free from Chinamerica trumps staying in that relationship….something that is existential to the political survival of the current Chinese regime . Could be Taiwan declaring independence. Or some economic war by US that can totally destabilise CPC grip on power. Until push turns to shove for Beijing, China and SCO will only be talking talking with no concrete action.
Just my opinion.
Hi Sinotibetan, thanks for sharing your wisdom, summed up very well by the statement, “SCO demonstrates the limitations of realism/pragmatism.”
It is time for China and Russia particularly to TRANSCEND. They stand united together or will fall. The Private Financial Empire knows that time is on China’s side and not Russia. It will surprise China. The Empire is hoping to weaken Russia and thereby win China’s obedience. If not, then in the coming years, Europe will be at war with Russia, and the U$A will be at war with China. This is the present trajectory.
The Empire divided nations in the world in such away around 1945 that it can dominate them and control their trajectory. Taiwan was split from China, Germany split so that Russia and Germany won’t threaten its plans, India and Pakistan split so they won’t have access to the Middle East resources. An evil genius ploy. After Germany’s union, it used Ukraine to keep Russia out. The Empire won’t collapse on its own as long as China and SCO members are keeping the US$ alive as a dominant reserve currency. It is time for China to face reality, show courage and lead the opposition with Russia.
One can never make any more progress than what they can imagine… China, Russia and SCO member states instead of pursuing deeper integration, need to at least define common standards and let their trade and payment transaction system interact with each other. This is the minimum effort option. They can also declare their support for open standards and source. This will weaken the Empire’s proprietary strength and give SCO an edge. One isn’t seeing creative moves from the SCO member states. The Empire will make them fight each other to weaken them.
Instead of speeches, the SCO members need to reveal their creative moves and accomplishments in the economic trade arena.
A very thoughtful and clearly widely informed response. I cherish the privilege of access to the information available via this most exceptional source.
Truly the Vinyard is a treasure
Everybody can talk but can they act? https://youtu.be/jYGRIGwR7Uo Just asking!
“Also, the day before yesterday I apprised Secretary-General Guterres of the fact that 300,000 tonnes of Russian fertilisers are stocked at the EU seaports. We are ready to make them available to developing countries for free.”
This statement summarizes the difference in values between Western and non-Western cultures. The West uses all means in its power to punish and terrorize all nations and its people even down to hoarding the bare essentials necessary to sustain poorer nations who are fighting to banish poverty on a daily basis.
“This statement summarizes the difference in values between Western and non-Western cultures.”
I beg to differ. It shows a supreme ‘black belt’ strategist at work making lemonade out of lemons.
Clearly, it points to the pragmatics of the critical situation in the EU/Europe desperate for energy and perhaps food (and perhaps civil obedience) over a freezing hungry winter. The EU are obviously hording, not to deprive the global South per se, not they would care one iota, but rather to ensure that there is at least some bread on the Xmas table to go with the circus show on the TV screen.
That it suggests that some alternative “values” are at play is incidental, imo. There are only interests at that level. A move of genius (among several). Seat belts on!
Gotta win the war man. It all stems from the credible threat of force.
Now that’s a well delivered speech! Wish I had a statesman like him, instead, all I have is a crooked politician who could care less about the people of the country. He only cares about his “10% for the big guy”. Idiot can’t even give a coherent speech, and often times gets lost just leaving the podium.
All excellent analyses, but one element is most important, and it may determine an as yet unforeseen outcome. That element is….what does God think is the proper moral outcome for all these countries/societies? From my U.S. perspective, morality, doing the right thing, does not seem a priority. If you read the Bible (e.g. Ezekiel) when a society ignores God, the result is collapse.
Collapse from within.
Imagine a world where the U.S. descends into chaos. That would not bode well for China or Europe, therefore eventually also Russia. After China does poorly, what would happen to SCO-dependent countries? Nothing good.
We are trending less toward a multipolar secure world. Rather, we’re trending toward world chaos/collapse, after which the proposal to fix it all will be brought forward….a one world government……which will fail even more spectacularly.
The U.N.? International Law? Security cooperation agreements? Mutual respect for individual countries’ sovereignty? Elimination of egoism in international relations?…….ummmmm, no. If history is our guide, these things will never happen.
Certainly not with the current crop of Godless international leaders. From my perspective, Xi’s speech offers almost nothing to reverse this trend toward collapse. If Putin and Trump become serious about their Christianity, if they truly feared God (as they should) we’d have a chance for a great world. At the moment, there is not enough evidence of this happening. Call me a troll, but t is naive to suggest otherwise.
This blog, including comments, are absolutely excellent.
Clinteastwood
I agree. The world will only ever be saved by Jesus Christ.
I speculate that one reason Mr. Putin has worked so strenuously to rebuild churches and encourage Orthodoxy is that eventually a civilizational struggle is coming with atheist China and with the House of Islam. Russia may be allies with China and Iran now, but… the three civilizations are radically different.
If Mr. Putin is both as deep and as farsighted as I think he is, he wants to see Russia STRONG in her Christian faith. Strong enough to withstand the tensions in these alliances, to withstand the mighty pressure of China with its population ten times the size of Russia’s, and for Russia’s people to prevail. I am not talking about prevailing in a physical war; I’m talking of something civilizational and cultural, which is at root spiritual and mystical — which is not some “imaginary” reality, as atheists fancy, but rather the deepest, realest level of reality.
I think Mr. Putin agrees with Dostoevsky, Ilyin, Solzhenitsyn and others that Russia has a crucial, special role in the world — and that this role derives from her faith in Jesus Christ.
I could certainly be wrong; I can’t see into Mr. Putin’s brain and heart. But based on what I do know and can see, this is my opinion — or at least, my hope.
@Clinteastwood
Interesting comment. I was once deeply immersed into Protestant Christianity of the American (US) varieties – evangelical initially and later even fundamentalist. Nowadays I am more of an agnostic but if I were to have faith , it will be that of a fideistic kind.
If the Biblical prophecies will come to pass, in my own understanding of the variety of Christianity I am familiar with – The US is Babylon the Great. US is the whore that rides on the beast. US is thus that great spiritual apostasy -epitome of a corrupt political , cultural and socioeconomic system derived spiritually from Christianity but now wayward and antithetical to Christianity . The function of US is to prepare the world for a one world government ruled by Satan’s vicar on earth – the political antichrist(the Beast from the Sea). That’s why US is like a global village – every tribe and race is there. It is multicultural , so promotes multiculturalism . It is debauched because the end times is marked by debauchery. It promotes the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah because the end times will be like Sodom and Gomorrah. Its capitalism , its financial and economic hegemony is of a global kind similar to the description of merchants weeping when Babylon the Great fell(destroyed apparently, by the Beast). US sells the souls of men and trade anything imaginable and unimaginable just like Babylon the Great. The world must be primed to accept the reign of Satan(personified in the antichrist) on earth and US does its job well. But the great harlot is a forerunner for the one world government and must be destroyed before the abomination that causes desecration is revealed. Who is the Beast? I don’t know. But I think it is a re-lived EU. EU will collapse but miraculously revived(the head that was struck dead and yet miraculously relives) – like a revived Roman Empire . The whole world will wonder at this revival . The Europeans and EU elites are even more fanatical believers of Satanic woke religion than US is. It is in Europe where the religion of Satan will be revived and even now is very much alive(it is the woke/progressive religion).
So any hope of a Trump (or similar people) in US or a Putin or Russian leader that will lead to a Christian collective West(which includes Russia) or even just a Christian Russia may not be in the prophetic calendar. These leaders are mere false hopes. Instead Christians are to be persecuted and slaughtered to martyrdom by a one world government that is totally Satanic. As for multipolar world, Russia and China plus others will fail. They will have to submit to the one world government or be unwilling vassals. Who can fight the Beast, who can prevail against it? No one can, except God. Only God can destroy this Babylonian system of which we are all vassals.
Hopefully this post won’t be considered that of a “concerned troll”. My interpretation only so anyone can critique it to their heart’s content(if they think it is worthy of such). Cheers!
Beautiful speach.
I recently re-read his 2007 Munich Security Confrence speach. Impressive stuff, and interessting to see how forward looking and accurate it was 15 years ago.
Also in the Q&A after his speach, it’s easier now in retrospect to smell the hostility coming from the western side.
It was after this he became a bad boy in the west. The stockmarket crashed as well, maybe related.