SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov’s meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General Movses Abelian

On 19 November 2019, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov met with UN Under-Secretary-General Movses Abelian at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Mr Norov told Mr Abelian about the SCO's cooperation with various UN specialised agencies, their memorandums of understanding and practical steps to implement bilateral agreements.

Mr Norov noted that apart from security, the SCO is focusing on the development of trade and economic relations and cooperation in transport and communications. He told Mr Abelian about the SCO's events and initiatives on transport.

Mr Norov recalled that next year it would be 15 years since the SCO received observer status at the UN General Assembly and plans to hold events devoted to this anniversary in 2020.

Mr Abelian praised the growing cooperation between the UN and the SCO in various areas and the latter's role in maintaining stability and developing economic and cultural ties in the region.

Mr Abelian informed Mr Norov about the UN Secretariat's work with the missions of international and regional organisations that have observer status at the UN. He emphasised that 80 percent of international organisations with this status have opened missions in New York. In this context, Mr Abelian suggested that the SCO also consider opening a mission at the UN in New York, which would help the SCO receive information of interest in a timely manner and promote its initiatives at the UN.

Mr Abelian also told Mr Norov about the UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference that will be held in China in May 2020. Representatives of over 120 states and international organisations were invited to attend.

The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.