Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov opens the Meeting of the SCO Council of National Coordinators

The Meeting of the Council of National Coordinators (CNC) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation began in Moscow on 20 August 2019.

In his opening remarks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov outlined Russia's vision and approaches for the country's Presidency of the SCO, aimed at further deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation between the member states.

He emphasised that the Russian side has a special attitude towards this demanding mission, and is ready for productive joint work in the interests of the comprehensive development of the multi-faceted SCO cooperation.

"The SCO is becoming increasingly confident as one of the fundamental elements of an emerging polycentric world order, based on equal and indivisible security and sustainable development. Our Organisation, without exaggeration, is seen by the international community as a reliable and predictable partner," the Deputy Minister said.

Igor Morgulov emphasised that further consolidation between the member states is a priority for Russia's Presidency of the SCO. "The SCO has substantial reserves for deepening foreign policy coordination and developing harmonised measures to counter the growing security, political and economic risks," he added.

He also listed the key priorities in the economic sphere such as increasing the share of national currencies in mutual settlements, the development of transport and logistics, infrastructure, digital economy, innovation and other industries.

The agenda of the Council of National Coordinators meeting comprises more than 40 items concerning the preparation of SCO events planned before the end of 2019, including the SCO Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) Council Meeting in Tashkent, as well as other aspects of the Organisation's current work.

The meeting will continue until 23 August 2019.