Lukashenko headed to Uzbekistan for SCO summit

MINSK, 15 September – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has headed to Uzbekistan on a working visit for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on 15-16 September. The Belarus air force one has flown to Uzbekistan from Bolbasovo airport near Orsha, has learned.

The summit will take place in Samarkand.

The Belarusian head of state is expected to make a speech at an extended-participation session of the SCO Heads of State Council on 16 September. Aleksandr Lukashenko will outline priorities of Belarus' interaction within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, considering Belarus' application to join this organization as a full member. Belarus has the observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at present. Topical items on the international agenda will also be discussed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko is expected to meet with foreign counterparts on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. They will discuss primarily bilateral affairs and the advancement of cooperation in key avenues.

The Belarusian president will also take part in a number of informal events Uzbekistan has organized for participants of the summit.