Valdai Club

The well-being of the peoples of the six countries of Eurasia, as well as, in many ways, the peace and stability of the region depends on how the trust-based bilateral and multilateral (Central Asia plus Russia) dialogue, as well as the multifaceted cooperation that has developed between the parties is maintained and improved upon, writes Rashid Alimov, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Taihe Institute (China), Secretary General of the SCO (2016-2018).

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has never positioned itself as an anti-Western organisation, despite the fact that since its creation it has constantly faced attacks from Western countries. There is no doubt that the external conditions for the activities of the SCO will become more complicated as the global crisis worsens. At the same time, let’s not forget that the key word in the name of the Organisation is “cooperation”, writes Rashid Alimov, SCO Secretary-General in 2016–2018.

The centre of Asia will not shift anywhere; the heart of Asia will continue to beat in unison with that of Russia. Over the years of the countries’ independence, the five have determined their true friends, Rashid Alimov writes. The centre of Asia will not shift anywhere; the heart of Asia will continue to beat in unison with that of Russia. Over the years of the countries’ independence, the five have determined their true friends, Rashid Alimov writes.

The countries of Central Asia, as independent parties engaged in international relations, do not want the region to become an arena of multilateral competition in the spirit of the “Great Game”. They have other long-term interests: strengthening the neighbourhood as well as building peaceful, friendly, equal and mutually respectful among themselves and with the outside world, writes Rashid Alimov.

The manipulation of migration issues for political purposes, the spread of misconstrued facts, various kinds of phobias and prejudices do not contribute to the formation of a tolerant environment in society, or the creation of a favourable environment for the reception and accommodation of migrants, writes Valdai Club expert Rashid Alimov.

The forthcomming summit of the Shanghai Coopertion Organisation is critically important for global peace and international security. The first post-pandemic, comprehensive, in-person meeting of the Eurasian G8 and its partners is expected to come off as a historic event, writes Rashid Alimov, Professor, Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Doctor of Political Sciences, SCO Secretary-General (2016–2018).

The events of August 2021 in Afghanistan have become an unprecedented test for Russia and the countries of Central Asia in their ability to respond to crises.


Partnership, cooperation for co-prosperity, has been the cornerstone of interaction within the Organisation. In the current conditions of the SCO, it is important not only to preserve this principle, but also to give it additional strength and energy, to move from extensive to intensive development. The current moment requires just such an approach, writes Rashid Alimov, SCO Secretary-General in 2016–2018.

The CSTO-2022 is the result of colossal multi-year joint efforts made by the six member states of the organisation, writes Rashid Alimov, SCO Secretary General (2016-2018). The article was prepared for the Valdai Club Conference with the support of the Russian Foreign Ministry, titled "Collective Security in a New Era: Experience and Prospects of the CSTO".