On 14 March 2018, SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov.
Mr Alimov thanked Mr Ivanov for the Russian side's decision to invite the SCO Observer Mission to monitor preparing for and holding Russia's presidential elections. The Organisation prioritises practical work in SCO member-states, he noted. "Considering the Russian Federation's role and place in the modern world, we attach particular significance to monitoring the election of the head of state. We consider this task as our special mission which is both honourable and responsible," Mr Alimov said.
During their conversation, both sides discussed a wide range of issues related to the Mission's work during preparations for the upcoming Russian presidential elections and their organisation.
Mr Alimov shared the Mission's plans and discussed its concept for monitoring elections and summing up their results. The concept is aimed at ensuring an objective assessment of the election process by, for example, encompassing numerous Russian regions.
The SCO Mission will monitor elections in six federal districts of the Russian Federation, from Vladivostok to St Petersburg.