Sri Lanka and Belarus were admitted as ‘Dialogue Partners’ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, during the Heads of Council meeting, held in Russia last week.

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, said that Sri Lanka was supported in its application for ‘Dialogue Partner’ status, by all member states and particularly by Russia and China. "The members also welcomed the end of Sri Lanka’s internal conflict and expressed hope for establishing firm peace, security and stability on the basis of ensuring its sovereignty, territorial integrity and guaranteeing the rights of all ethnic and religious groups".

Yapa said that the objectives of SCO are strengthening good neighbourly relations among member countries, making joint efforts to maintain peace and security in the region, establishing a new and just political and economic international order, promoting effective cooperation in politics, culture, trade, science and technology, education, energy, transportation, tourism and environmental protection.

Sri Lanka’s interest in becoming a ‘Dialogue Partner’, was to strengthen peace and security and counter terrorism, which has developed extensive regional and international ramifications, he said "We wish to share our experience and expertise with SCO member states in undertaking successful counter terrorism initiatives. Sri Lanka could also simultaneously pursue an economic agenda promoting trade and tourism".

The SCO evolved from the 1996 ‘Shanghai Five’, with its founders being China, Russia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyz and Tajikistan. Uzbekistan became the sixth member in 2001. The chairmanship of the organization is currently held by Russia. Its broad principles include non interference in internal affairs, respect for diversity, equality among nations and mutual benefits.