Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised their Eurasian security alliance, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), as a stabilizing global force at the SCO summit on Wednesday.
Moscow and Beijing view the SCO, which now includes India, Iran, and Pakistan, as a counterbalance to Western influence.
Putin highlighted the SCO’s role in establishing a fair, multipolar world order, noting the strong bilateral ties between Russia and China.
“Our cooperation is not against anyone; we act for the interests of our peoples,” Putin said.
Xi echoed this sentiment, urging both countries to maintain their friendship amidst changing global dynamics. He praised the progress in bilateral relations and outlined future plans.
The summit, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, featured several bilateral meetings. The SCO addresses external security threats, such as drug trafficking, and focuses on countering domestic instability.