Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov: comments at SCO

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov addresses Meeting of Ministers of Defence of SCO Member States in Qindao

‘Many hotbeds of instability are being created around the world. Including in the borders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member countries and the Organisation’s perimeter. The situation in the Middle East has escalated significantly,’ Andrei Belousov said during the meeting.

▫️ According to him, the spread of terrorist ideologies from the Middle East and the transit of militants to Afghanistan continues. The continuing instability in the country is the main source of transnational crime and terrorist threat in the SCO area.

‘In the Asia-Pacific region, the activities of certain states to create closed, block structures of anti-Chinese and anti-Russian directions have a destructive impact on stability,’ the Russian Defence Minister said.

▫️During the meeting, the head of the Russian Defence Ministry separately focused on the progress of the special military operation.

‘The Russian Armed Forces are carrying out successful offensive actions’, Andrei Belousov said.

▫️ He emphasised that, conscious of the inevitability of defeat, the Kiev regime supported by European sponsors is betting on terrorist acts.

‘In an attempt to delay hostilities by supplying Ukraine with weapons and mercenaries, the threat of destabilisation increases. Including in Europe itself. Russia has repeatedly expressed and continues to express readiness to resolve the conflict,’ said the Russian Defence Minister.

▫️Andrei Belousov added that in the emerging conditions it is necessary to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the SCO, and to maintain the course of further rapprochement in the interests of strengthening stability. The member states needs to neutralise the attempts of unfriendly forces to destroy the long-standing ties that have developed within the Organisation. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the interests of each SCO country are optimally taken into account.