Solemn hoisting of the flag of Belarus in front of the SCO headquarters

On July 6, 2024 the flag of the Republic of Belarus, which became the tenth member of the SCO, was raised in front of the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Beijing.

The solemn ceremony was attended by the SCO Secretary-General, Deputy Foreign Minister of China, representatives of diplomatic missions of the SCO member states, observers and dialogue partners. The Belarusian delegation, which also included Ambassador of Belarus to China Aleksandr Cherviakov, was headed by Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov.

In his statement, the Foreign Minister emphasised that the SCO has become a unique multilateral mechanism, an influential player in the international relations.  "And today the heart of Eurasia beats here. The SCO member states give nations and countries an opportunity to feel that there are centres of power in the world, where the voice of all without exception is heard".

Maxim Ryzhenkov emphasised that "the SCO is a strategic prospect for Belarus. Within the framework of the Organisation we are particularly interested in the spheres of genuine indivisible security, new economy, as well as unique opportunities for mutual enrichment of cultures and rapprochement of peoples.

On the eve of the solemn ceremony, the Minister met with SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming.

The sides discussed the issues of Belarus' joining the SCO as a full member of the Organisation and outlined the priorities of our country. The parties reaffirmed the intention of Belarus to actively promote, on the basis of consensus, new initiatives important not only for the member states but also for the entire world community. Belarus intends to consistently pursue the goals and tasks within the framework of the priorities outlined by the President of Belarus at the Astana SCO summit.

Zhang Ming stressed the initial full unity of the SCO countries in accepting Belarus into their family and expressed confidence that our country's membership would give new energy to the Organisation.

The Presidency of Kazakhstan, which has been very active in strengthening the role of the SCO in the international arena, was positively praised.

Maxim Ryzhenkov expressed confidence that the current Chair, the People's Republic of China, will not only keep up the pace, but will also give impetus to the development of the Organisation.

The Minister reminded that one of the first Belarusian initiatives was to hold the Day of National Cultures of the SCO member states on the site of the Festival "Slavyanski Bazar in Vitebsk". In this regard, the invitation to the Secretary-General to attend the event was confirmed, which was gratefully accepted by Zhang Ming. The Days of National Cultures will also be covered for the first time by journalists from the SCO countries, who have specially arrived for a media tour of Belarus.