Yes, I think the SCO will be playing such a role, the Russian leader told Chinese mass-media bodies on the eve of his October 14-16 Chinese visit.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, has completely accomplished all objectives, which had been stipulated since its inception, Putin noted.
True, we have effectively solved an overwhelming majority of all border-related problems; such problems have been solved for the benefit of those specific countries, which had aimed to settle these issues. The solution of these problems has created a good foundation for expanding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's activities. The SCO has de facto started acquiring an entirely different global significance and influence in line with the atmosphere of our joint work, Putin stressed.
In his words, many regional countries have now become quite interested in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's work. I think this highlights the fact that the SCO's significance and its influence on global processes tends to increase, Putin noted. I'm sure its significance and influence will be enhanced still further, Putin went on to say.
Putin explained Russia's position on joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) to Chinese journalists. Russia would like to join the World Trade Organization in line with standard membership terms and without any discrimination whatsoever, Putin told his interlocutors.
Chinese specialists and Chinese friends support us on this issue; at the same time, we support China's position to the effect that specific terms of China's intra-WTO operations must be devoid of any biassed attitude toward the Chinese economy, the Russian head of state said.
Putin voiced hope to the effect that Russia's possible admission into the WTO would benefit Russia and China alike, all the more so as we heed the bilateral-interaction scale.
As far as relations within the framework of international organizations, the WTO, first and foremost, are concerned, I'm sure that both China and Russia have broad prospects ahead of them; this means that we can standardize specific regulations of our work, Putin went on to say.
However, Russia, China, as well as many other countries, must continue their struggle for equitable and democratic rules of international economic relations; much remains to be done here within the framework of WTO-system talks, Putin said.
We have reached complete consensus with our Chinese partners and friends on this score, tackling these problems in line with a common approach, the Russian head of state stressed.
