Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in Qingdao on June 9 and 10

[Hindustani78]

********
http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...meet-karzai/article23649934.ece?homepage=true

Hamid Karzai called for India to discuss terror issues with China, as well as Russia.

Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to travel to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping, Afghanistan’s former President Hamid Karzai called for India to discuss terror issues with China, as well as Russia, if the U.S. is unable to stem terror attacks from Pakistan.

“Once [India-China] ties are strengthened, then we hope India can speak more freely with China on putting pressure on Pakistan to stop using extremism as a tool. China has its own difficulties with extremism,” he said, reacting to the announcement in Beijing that Mr. Modi would meet Mr. Xi in Wuhan this Friday for an “informal summit”.

Referring to the “rising extremism and violence” in Afghanistan, including Sunday’s bombing at a voter registration centre in Kabul, Mr. Karzai told The Hindu that it showed that the U.S.’s recently launched “South Asia policy” for Afghanistan had not shown results.

SCO meet in June

“If the U.S. doesn’t come on board with the specifics needed to fight against extremism from Pakistan that bring results... India should approach China, and also Russia, who face similar threats as India does,” he said, suggesting that the subsequent meeting of Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China in June would further the effort.

“Yes SCO can be the alternative [to U.S.], provided the three major countries: India, Russia and China are able to see eye to eye, and see that their interests in Afghanistan as also in the region are eventually the same, and that is the defeat of extremism,” he said.

During the Wuhan summit, which is expected to set the course for India-China ties, the issue of China’s blocking the UN’s designation of terrorist leaders in Pakistan like Masood Azhar is expected to be discussed, as well as India’s objections to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence24-April, 2018 16:35 IST
Raksha Mantri’s Address at The 15th SCO Defence Ministers meeting in China

India is participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers Meeting for the first time. The 15th SCO Defence Ministers Meeting was held at Beijing in China, today. Speaking at the meeting, Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India’s keen interest in developing an expanded partnership with the broader Eurasian region. In doing so, India has sought to build on her long-standing ties of deep mutual trust and confidence with Russia, vibrant historical and cultural linkages with countries of Central Asia and closer development partnership with China and to further enhance and deepen ties with all the member countries for mutual benefit.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman stated that in the days ahead, India will work with the SCO partners to energize and revitalize the age-old ties of affinity with the countries of the region. She sought a forward looking partnership based on robust dialogue and concrete initiatives to enhance the economic, trade and cultural cooperation as well as mutually beneficial interactions on defence and security matters.

She called for SCO members to work towards enhancing greater communication among member countries within the region as well as in the broader international context. This is essential for progressive trends towards stability and peace to reassert itself and to arrest the current drift in ties between major powers and to address any possible implications for the region.

Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman said that many problems that confront the region, such as climate change, cyber security, narcotics trafficking or violent trans-national crime require solutions based on cooperative frameworks that involve all countries and stakeholders. This is particularly necessary to address the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism and extremism.

Smt Sitharaman stated that international terrorism is today the most serious threat to our peaceful societies. Terrorism threatens to derail our developmental aspirations and create sustained instability both within our countries and across national borders. She called upon the member countries to closely coordinate and adopt a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. She contended that arguments of political convenience to provide an alibi for terrorist groups or organisations that support terrorism through material support or otherwise are no longer tolerable. Indeed, as the world has now realized, there are no good terrorists. India, she stressed, will continue to engage strongly with the SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure based in Tashkent in this regard.

In this context, she said that we must also work towards the goal of a stable, secure and peaceful Afghanistan. She strongly condemned yet another tragic terrorist attack in Kabul, recently. The SCO must adopt an uncompromising approach towards the persisting threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, as it is essential to advance peace and prosperity in the region. India is committed to doing all it can to assist Afghanistan in its quest to regain stability and reconstruct its economy and polity. This includes cooperation in building capacities and capabilities of the Afghan national security forces. In doing so, India will continue to be guided by the requirements of the government of Afghanistan and the shared objectives of the international community, Smt Sitharaman said.

Since defence cooperation, especially enhanced linkages between armed forces is an important dimension of SCO, Smt Sitharaman stated that India is keen to explore the full potentialities of this engagement. India will engage with a positive approach and an open mind on all issues related to defence cooperation within the SCO framework.

She stated in this context “we note the decision to set up an Experts Working Group (EWG) mechanism under the SCO Defence Ministers Meeting to support greater cooperation in the defence field. There is a need for further discussions on how the EWG mechanism can be best developed to meet our shared requirements and objectives for defence cooperation in the SCO framework. India has already commenced practical steps to take forward defence engagement under the framework, as reflected in our first ever presence at this Ministerial Meeting and participation of the Indian Army Band at the Fanfare for Peace Military Tattoo being held in conjunction with our meeting today”. Further, she stated that “we will also engage as feasible on the items under the Agreed Programme of activities for defence cooperation under the SCO for 2017-19. As we move ahead, India will also explore the possibility of coordinating some SCO defence activities in the coming years”.

The Raksha Mantri stated that India will participate in the SCO’s Peace Mission joint military exercises being held in Russia later this year. As India enjoys excellent bilateral defence cooperation with a large number of SCO countries especially with Russia as well as with all of India’s Central Asian partners represented in the SCO, she expressed belief that cooperation in the SCO framework will help reinforce India’s efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the partners in the region in the field of defence.

Recognizing the value of improving regional transportation and communication networks through mutual consultation, sustainability and sharing of benefits, the Raksha Mantri opined that it can create a network of physical and digital connectivity that extends from Russia’s northern regions to the shores of Indian Ocean. The International North South Transportation Corridor is an important step in that direction. However, she noted that it would also be essential that such initiatives respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

SRR/NAo/Rajib

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being received, on her arrival in Beijing, China on April 23, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
26-April, 2018 15:09 IST
PM issues statement before his departure to China

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be visiting Wuhan, China on 27th April-28th April 2018. Before his departure to China PM has issued the following statement:

" I will be visiting Wuhan, China on 27-28 April 2018 for an Informal Summit with H. E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China.

President Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. We will discuss our respective visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of current and future international situation.

We will also review the developments in the India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective."

***

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi emplanes for China from New Delhi, on April 26, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping visit Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping at Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, at the East Lake Guest House, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, at the East Lake Guest House, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, at the East Lake Guest House, in Wuhan, China on April 27, 2018.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-xi-jinping/article23698065.ece?homepage=true

Modi invites the Chinese President to visit India next year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping began an open-ended talk, which could yield far reaching results ranging from a likely détente to a full normalisation of ties that were marred by the 1962 border war.

At the end of the first round of the informal summit in the picturesque city of Wuhan, Mr. Modi invited Mr. Xi to visit India next year.

“I’ll be happy, if in 2019, we can have such informal summit in India,” Mr. Modi told Mr. Xi.

The two leaders held the first round of talks on day one of their informal summit amid much symbolism, and subtext, highlighting centuries of achievements of the two civilizations.

“The two countries together constituted for about 50% of the world economy and another 50% was shared by rest of the world for 1600 years,” Mr. Modi observed in remarks in the presence of Mr. Xi.

The two leaders in their dialogue are not being guided by rigid talking points. Instead, they are expected to align India-China ties to counter the headwinds of growing protectionism, and more. “China and India are both important engines for global growth and we are central pillars for promoting a multi-polar and globalised world. A good China- India relation is an important and positive factor for maintaining peace and stability in the world,” Mr. Xi said in his welcome remarks.

Analysts say that the two countries are preparing to emerge as the twin engines of a new wave of globalisation, in which Asia and the emerging economies will play a leading role. “The focus of the Wuhan talks is therefore on seeking geo-economic opportunities, including new supply chains, and avoiding geopolitical rifts, which peaked with last year’s Doklam military standoff,” an official source said.

Huang Jiang of Richard Von Weizsacker fellow at the Bosch Academy in Germany pointed out that U.S.-led protectionism provides the strategic cement for bonding China and India. “The informal summit is a great idea. At least both sides can see a more cooperative relationship can increase their leverage in dealing with the outside world, especially the U.S. and its allies,” Mr. Huang told The Hindu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan on April 27, 2018. Photo: @MEAIndia


Observers say that China has understood that under the cover of a trade war, the Trump administration is obstructing China’s rise, triggering Beijing’s search of new geo-economic partners, including India.

Domestic compulsions, including the 2019 general elections, also appear to be adding to Mr. Modi’s urgency to re-engage with China. "Before going to elections he [Mr. Modi] can say: 'Look, I have achieved something with regard to China,'" Nikkei Asian Review quoted Pankaj Jha, professor of defence and strategic studies at the O.P. Jindal Global University as saying.

“If Mr. Modi can get billions of dollars of Indian foreign investment , it would be a big coup,” an official source who did not wish to be named said.

Another official earlier told The Hindu that the Prime Minister is looking for progress on two pet themes — a final settlement of the border rather than “management” of the frontier and the rise of “Asian century” in cohabitation with China.


Tibet issue

Some Chinese scholars are signaling that the discussion on resolving border issue is likely to be intertwined with the resolution of “Tibetan separatism”. In a lecture ahead of the Xi-Modi informal summit, Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual head in exile, said Tibet could remain a part of China. Last year, the Dalai Lama expressed his readiness to return to Lhasa from his abode in Dharamsala.

“Historically the boundary issue and the Tibetan question is linked. If the Tibetan issue is resolved, it is very favourable for China and India to resolve the boundary, said Long Xingchun, professor at the China West Normal University.

The interaction between the two leaders began on Friday afternoon when Mr. Xi received Mr. Modi at the Hubei Provincial Museum.

In tune with the sobriety of the occasion, Mr. Modi avoided his customary hug with Mr. Xi. A firm handshake, a broad smile and an exchange of words appeared more appropriate. The two watched a brief performance of traditional dance-- the prologue to at least five rounds of marathon one-on-one talks spread over a day and a half.

The two leaders meet on Saturday for engagements that include a stroll on the edge of the East lake, followed by a boat ride.

 

[Hindustani78]

India-China Informal Summit

Prime Minister of India, H.E. Shri Narendra Modi and President of People's Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping held their first Informal Summit in Wuhan on April 27-28, 2018, to exchange views on overarching issues of bilateral and global importance, and to elaborate their respective visions and priorities for national development in the context of the current and future international situation.

They believe that the simultaneous emergence of India and China as two large economies and major powers with strategic and decisional autonomy, has implications of regional and global significance. They shared the view that peaceful, stable and balanced relations between India and China will be a positive factor for stability amidst current global uncertainties. They also agreed that proper management of the bilateral relationship will be conducive for the development and prosperity of the region, and will create the conditions for the Asian Century. To this end, they decided to strengthen the Closer Development Partnership in a mutually beneficial and sustainable manner, in pursuit of national modernization and greater prosperity for their peoples.

Prime Minister Modi and President Xi reviewed developments in India-China relations from the strategic and long-term perspective. They agreed to significantly enhance efforts to build on the convergences through the established mechanisms in order to create the broadest possible platform for the future relationship. They also agreed that both sides have the maturity and wisdom to handle the differences through peaceful discussion within the context of the overall relationship, bearing in mind the importance of respecting each other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations.

The two leaders expressed their support for the work of the Special Representatives on the India China Boundary Question and urged them to intensify their efforts to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement. The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in all areas of the India-China border region in the larger interest of the overall development of bilateral relations. To this end, they issued strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communication in order to build trust and mutual understanding and enhance predictability and effectiveness in the management of border affairs. The two leaders further directed their militaries to earnestly implement various confidence building measures agreed upon between the two sides, including the principle of mutual and equal security, and strengthen existing institutional arrangements and information sharing mechanisms to prevent incidents in border regions.

The two leaders agreed to push forward bilateral trade and investment in a balanced and sustainable manner by taking advantage of complementarities between their two economies. They also discussed ways to promote greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges and agreed to explore establishing new mechanisms in this direction.

Prime Minister Modi and President Xi underlined that as two major countries India and China have wider and overlapping regional and global interests. They agreed on their need to strengthen strategic communication through greater consultation on all matters of common interest. They believe that such strategic communication will have a positive influence on enhancing mutual understanding and will contribute to regional and global stability.

The two leaders agreed that India and China have separately made major contributions to global peace and prosperity through their respective growth and economic development, and would continue to act as engines for global growth in the future. They reiterated the importance of building an open, multipolar, pluralist and participatory global economic order which will enable all countries to pursue their development and contribute to the elimination of poverty and inequality in all regions of the world. They spoke of their respective efforts to contribute to the regional and global economic development.

The two leaders also shared views on their respective foreign policy visions of achieving global prosperity and security. They agreed to jointly contribute in a positive and constructive way in facilitating sustainable solutions for global challenges including climate change, sustainable development, food security etc. They underscored the importance of reform of multilateral financial and political institutions to make them representative and responsive to the needs of developing countries.

The two leaders agreed that as two major countries and emerging economies, India and China, given their vast developmental experiences and national capacities, should join hands to take lead in offering innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges faced by humankind in the 21st century. These include combating diseases, coordinating action for disaster risk reduction and mitigation, addressing climate change and ushering digital empowerment. They agreed to pool together their expertise and resources in these areas and create a global network dedicated to these challenges for the larger benefit of humanity.

Prime Minister Modi and President Xi recognized the common threat posed by terrorism, and reiterated their strong condemnation of and resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They committed themselves to cooperate on counter-terrorism.

The two leaders highly assessed the opportunity for direct, free and candid exchange of views offered by the Informal Summit and agreed on the utility of holding more such dialogues in the future. The forward-looking dialogue raised the level of strategic communication about the perspective, priorities and vision that guide their respective policy choices domestically, regionally and globally. It also helped them in forging a common understanding of the future direction of India-China relations built upon mutual respect for each other's developmental aspirations and prudent management of differences with mutual sensitivity.



****

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping take a walk together along the East Lake, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping take a walk together along the East Lake, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping take a walk together along the East Lake, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping take a walk together along the East Lake, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping inside a house boat, in Wuhan’s East Lake, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping inside a house boat, in Wuhan’s East Lake, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping inside a house boat, in Wuhan’s East Lake, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping inside a house boat, in Wuhan’s East Lake, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping inside a house boat, in Wuhan’s East Lake, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping inside a house boat, in Wuhan’s East Lake, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping along the East Lake, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping along the East Lake, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi departs from Wuhan, China after a successful Informal visit on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi departs from Wuhan, China after a successful Informal visit on April 28, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives at New Delhi, after the informal Summit, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Union Minister for External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, on his arrival, at New Delhi, after the informal Summit, in Wuhan, China on April 28, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Secretary General, The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Mr. Rashid Alimov meeting the Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on May 07, 2018.

The Secretary General, The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Mr. Rashid Alimov meeting the Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on May 07, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Secretary General, The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Mr. Rashid Alimov meeting the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, in New Delhi on May 08, 2018.

The Secretary General, The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Mr. Rashid Alimov meeting the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, in New Delhi on May 08, 2018.

 

[shi12jun]

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam with the Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Li Jinzao, in Wuhan, China on May 08, 2018.

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam with the Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Li Jinzao, in Wuhan, China on May 08, 2018.

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam at the SCO Tourism Ministers Meeting, in Wuhan, China on May 09, 2018.

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam in a group photograph, at the SCO Tourism Ministers Meeting, in Wuhan, China on May 09, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Tourism
10-May, 2018 17:30 IST
Tourism Minister attends the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tourism Ministers’ conference in China

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri K. J. Alphons attended the Tourism Ministers’ conference by Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Wuhan, China held on 9th May 2018.

At the inaugural session, the Minister said that India’s Tourism sector is fast growing and has got an emerging market for outbound travel and a tremendous potential for tourism co-operation with the SCO region.

At the sidelines of the event, the Minister also met the Chinese Tourism and Culture Vice Minister, Mr. Li Jinzao. The visit of the team headed by Sh. K. J. Alphons was in continuation of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China wherein it was agreed to increase the co-operation between India and China in Defence, External Affairs and Tourism.

*****

 

[conworldus]

India is sure pivoting back to the non-alignment policy. Siding with the US to contain China produced India more harm than benefit.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Culture
16-May, 2018 17:54 IST
Dr. Mahesh Sharma to take part in the 15th Meeting of SCO Cultural Ministers at Sanya, China tomorrow

India to attend the SCO Culture Ministers’ meet for the first time

The Minister of State for Culture (I/c) and Minister of state for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma will be attending Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Cultural Ministers Meeting at Sanya in China tomorrow, the 17th of May, 2018. It is the first time that India would be attending the SCO Culture Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting will showcase India’s initiatives to actively pursue cultural cooperation with other countries including SCO countries. It will also help to promote cultural relations and people to people contacts with the individual members of this organization through cultural exchange programmes.

India became full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on 9th June, 2017 during the SCO Heads of State Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. It was further activated with the establishment of the SCO Division in MEA and appointment of National Coordinator and Permanent Representative to SCO. It is pertinent to mention that after the expansion of membership from 5 states to 8 states, SCO represents approximately 42% of the world’s population, 20% of its GDP and 22% of the landmass.

*****