Lukashenko: Being part of the "Shanghai family" is a strategic choice for Belarus

Being part of the "Shanghai family" is a strategic choice for Belarus. President Alexander Lukashenko stated this in his speech at the summit in Tianjin, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"Belarus is proud to have become a full member of the SCO a year ago. This aligns with the fundamental long-term interests of our state and opens up additional prospects and broad areas of cooperation. Being part of the 'Shanghai family' is our strategic choice," emphasized the Belarusian leader.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that today the SCO is rightly considered one of the most representative and influential international organizations in Eurasia. "It is natural that new states aspire to join the organization," he said. "Minsk supports the expansion of the SCO through new members and partners. Those who unequivocally share the values and foundation of the 'Shanghai spirit': mutual respect and trust, equality, dialogue, and the pursuit of common development," the President stated.

In conclusion of his speech, Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Kyrgyzstan on assuming the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

He also congratulated the Chairman of the PRC on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the end of World War II. Alexander Lukashenko stressed that the events dedicated to this occasion clearly demonstrate that the great Chinese people, together with the friendly SCO family, will not allow history to be distorted. "We were together then. I believe that in the future, just as the Soviet and Chinese peoples were once together, we will similarly shape the destiny of humanity," said the President.

"This significant anniversary, which we celebrate with