Astana, Kazakhstan – 4 July 2024 – The summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus, chaired by Kazakhstan, commenced today at the Palace of Independence in the capital. This significant event, titled “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving Towards Sustainable Peace and Prosperity,” marks a pivotal moment in the history of the organization.
At the invitation of the President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Ambassador Berik Aryn attended this prestigious summit. His participation underscores the critical role of food security in the broader context of regional stability and cooperation.
The 24th summit of SCO saw the adoption of the Astana Declaration, 20 resolutions, and three statements from the Heads of State, including the Initiative on World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony, and on SCO Improvement.
President Tokayev has already hosted an impressive array of leaders, including President Xi Jinping of China, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, acting President Mohammad Mokhber of Iran, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The summit has also welcomed the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who met with President Tokayev after visiting UN Plaza in Almaty on July 3.
Other notable attendees include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Mongolia’s President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
On the sidelines of the summit, Ambassador B. Aryn had the honor of engaging in discussions with distinguished personalities, including Their Excellencies Mr. Jeenbek Kulubaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Mr. Khusrav Noziri, Secretary General of Economic Cooperation Organization, and Mr. Kaha Imnadze, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia and Head of the Regional Centre.
These dialogues highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in advancing food security and supporting the objectives of the IOFS. Ambassador Aryn also took the opportunity to invite Kyrgyzstan to join the IOFS, emphasizing the mutual benefits and opportunities that such membership would bring.
Ambassador B. Aryn also had a fruitful discussion with H.E. Mr. Murat Nurtleu, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During this discussion, the Director General expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support provided by Kazakhstan to IOFS, emphasizing the country's crucial role in the organization's efforts to enhance food security.
H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn's involvement in the summit is a testament to the growing importance of food security within the SCO framework. His participation emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that ensure sustainable food systems and regional cooperation in tackling food security challenges.
