Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that the priority of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation must be counter-terrorism, counter radicalism, extremism and to counter drug trafficking. "Another focus of the SCO is the current situation in Afghanistan. The situation that regrettably is not becoming better. The SCO's priority must be counter-terrorism, counter radicalism, extremism and to counter drug trafficking," Putin said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
During his speech at the Summit, Putin thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for organising the Summit. He also said that Russia supports the New Delhi declaration which gives a consolidated approach to international issues. "I would like to thank PM Modi for organising this Summit. Implementation of a lot of documents and the decisions that were prepared for this Summit. Russia supports the New Delhi declaration which gives a consolidated approach to international issues. We will continue to strengthen ties with SCO member states," Putin said, as quoted by ANI.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi virtually addressed the SCO meet and said that the body has been an important platform for peace, prosperity and development in the entire Eurasia region in the last two decades.
"India's thousands of years old cultural and people to people ties with this region are a living testimony to our shared heritage," the PM added. Speaking on the importance of the group, the PM said, "We do not see the SCO as an extended neighbourhood, but rather as an extended family. Security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection are the pillars of our vision for SCO."
Prime Minister Modi added that to harness the talent of the youth from SCO countries, several new platforms such as the Young Scientist Conclave, Authors Conclave, Startup Forum, and Youth Council have been organized. He said these platforms aim to channel the potential of SCO's youth and provide them with meaningful opportunities.
"India has established five pillars of cooperation within the SCO: Startup and innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and shared Buddhist heritage. Over the past two decades, the SCO has emerged as an important platform for peace, prosperity and development in the entire Eurasia region. India's thousands of years old cultural and people-to-people ties with this region are living testimony to our shared heritage," the PM said highlighting India's contribution to the group and its development.
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