Rashid Alimov: “The SCO’s main civilisational mission is to promote mutual understanding among nations, mutual awareness, rapprochement, permeation and enrichment of cultures in Eurasia”

On 14 May 2017, SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov addressed participants in the panel discussion Strengthening Ties between Nations of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. He focused on expanding and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties in Eurasia, including in the context of implementing the Chinese initiative One Belt, One Road.

While noting the historical roots of cultural traditions of Eurasian nations, Mr Alimov stressed that "many centuries ago, the peoples inhabiting the vast Eurasian region laid the glorious traditions of multiethnic inter-civilisational dialogue which, in essence, spurred the creation of a trans-continental trade route that went down in history as the Silk Road. By uniting Europe and Asia, the Silk Road remained the main economic artery of the Eurasian continent for many years to come and facilitated people's greater well-being, the prosperity of regions and their sustained development."

At the same time, he noted that "the initiatives of leaders of the People's Republic of China under the One Belt, One Road concept, with reliance on the experience and traditions of the Silk Road, are actively supported by the countries of the Eurasian continent and also evoke considerable interest all over the world."

While noting the complexity and diversity of the modern world and the wide range of opinions, views, approaches and concepts being manifested more and more vividly in the process of international communication, Mr Alimov underscored the fact that "modern humankind is united by a common destiny, and the fastest possible renunciation of demarcation lines can provide a powerful impetus to a new stage of global civilisation's development."

"Apart from permanent dialogue, mutual awareness of cultures and traditions, a profound mutual understanding of civilisational specifics are essential for the rapprochement of countries and peoples and in the name of universal progress and prosperity, for the benefit of peace and stability on the planet," Mr Alimov said.
The SCO continues to focus on cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and actively expands practical cooperation in culture, education, science, technology, healthcare, sport, tourism and youth contacts. "The wide range of ethnic groups, nations, religions and civilisations of SCO member states imparts a particularly vivid multi-cultural aspect to the organisation," Mr Alimov said.

"The organisation consistently and purposefully implements its main civilisational mission: It facilitates stronger mutual understanding among nations, mutual awareness, permeation, enrichment and the rapprochement of cultures and civilisations; it helps popularise the customs and traditions of peoples living on the organisation's territory. It is precisely what brings SCO nations closer together," Mr Alimov stressed.

In this connection, Mr Alimov focused on the upcoming SCO summit in Astana where SCO heads of state will determine areas of cooperation within the organisation, including cultural and humanitarian ties. "Doubtless, the cultural and humanitarian cooperation will remain a highly important aspect of the organisation's activities and will continue to promote cultural dialogue between civilisations in Eurasia," Mr Alimov noted.