Lavrov says ministers complete key preparations for SCO Summit in Bishkek
TIMES REPORT
CHOLPON-ATA: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers made significant progress in preparing for the SCO Summit to be held in Bishkek later this year.
Speaking after the meeting, Lavrov said the ministers approved draft documents proposing the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering New Challenges and Threats and a Centre for Combating Drug-Related Crime.
He said the foreign ministers also adopted a joint statement assessing the international situation and outlining future priorities in line with decisions of SCO leaders. Discussions covered cooperation in energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare and other key sectors.
Responding to questions on his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lavrov defended the Anchorage agreements, saying Russia had accepted proposals put forward by the United States and approved by President Donald Trump. He argued that the agreements failed because Ukraine did not implement the proposed compromise.
Lavrov also criticised continued Western military assistance to Ukraine, claiming it had undermined diplomatic efforts and prolonged the conflict. He alleged that intelligence, technology and military support from the United States and its allies continued to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities.
He reaffirmed Russia’s position that dialogue remains possible but stressed that any future settlement would require serious political negotiations.
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