Question: Where did the Foreign Council meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Association (SCO) take place from 21 and 22 May 2019?
(a) Minsk
(b) Shanghai
(c) Bishkek
(d) Belgrade
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- On 22 May 2019, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan hosted a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.
- The meeting was attended by Foreign Ministers of India (Sushma Swaraj), Kazakhstan (Beibut Atamkulov), People’s Republic of China (Wang Yi), Kyrgyz Republic (Chingiz Aidarbekov), Pakistan (Shah Mehmood Qureshi), Russia Sergei Lavrov), Tajikistan (Sirodjidin Mukhriddin), Uzbekistan (Abdulaziz Kamilov), SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov and Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Executive Committee Jumakhon Giyosov.
- The meeting was chaired by Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Chingiz Aidarbekov.
Major highlights of the meeting:
- The ministers reviewed the implementation of the decisions of the SCO Heads of State Council meeting (Qingdao, 9-10 June 2018) and the SCO Heads of Government Council meeting (Prime Ministers) (Dushanbe, 11-12 October 2018).
- The ministers stated that the SCO is steadily developing as a stable platform for promoting understanding, trust-based dialogue between the member states. The SCO is becoming an influential participant in international relations and is making tangible contribution to the maintenance of security and stability in the region.
- The ministers believe that firmly adhering to the goals and principles of the SCO Charter, and following the “Shanghai Spirit” that implies mutual trust, mutual advantage, equality, reciprocal consultations, respect for the diversity of cultures and a striving for joint development
- The ministers are convinced that in conditions of deep transformations in global politics and the economy, the priority goal is to create a multi-polar world arrangement that meets the interests of each and all states and relies on the norms of international law.
- They noted the topicality of the initiative to build international relations of a new type based on mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation.
- While resolutely denouncing terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, the ministers support the creation of a united global anti-terrorism front with the UN playing a central coordinating role.
- The ministers emphasised that global challenges and threats — terrorism, separatism and extremism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, illegal drug trafficking, organised crime, cybercrime, unsettled regional and local conflicts etc.
- The ministers emphasised that keeping outer space free of weapons and an arms race meets the interests of all of humanity.
India’s position:
- This was the second CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO. India became its full member on 9 June 2017 along with Pakistan.
- India welcomed regional connectivity initiatives, that are inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Reign Minister also met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi. The leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest, including implementation of understanding reached during Wuhan Summit.
Links:
http://eng.sectsco.org/news/20190522/543257.html
https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl%2F31326%2FMeeting_of_Council_of_Foreign_Ministers_of_SCO_Bishkek_2122_May_2019
http://ddnews.gov.in/national/sushma-swaraj-attends-sco-meet-council-foreign-ministers-bishkek