2018年CRI 白俄罗斯期望上合组织国家联系更为紧密

（单词翻译）

Vadzim Suhak is the head of the Belarusian-Chinese Analytical¹ Development Center at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

He said that closer cooperation with SCO members has offered great opportunities for this country.

"The leader of our country once said Belarus could act as a western gateway² for the SCO. We can help push forward economic cooperation within the framework of SCO with transportation infrastructure³ projects. Our country has shown growth potential in areas like cross-border transportation, and industrial and technological⁴ development, as well as in the tourism sector⁵. Meanwhile, we will play an active role in solving regional security issues."

During a meeting with China's vice⁶ president Wang Qishan last month, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he appreciates and supports President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. He said that his country stands ready to join hands with China to align⁷ their development strategies.

Leaders from the two sides have jointly⁸ promoted the China-Belarus industrial park, a special economic zone in the Minsk Region, which is expected to become a landmark⁹ cooperation program in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Suhak added that as a member of Eurasian Economic Union, and a key transportation hub on the route of the Belt and Road, Belarus brings plenty of geopolitical advantages to the SCO.

"Members of the SCO, and the EAEU, and the countries along the route of the Belt and Road all have their own interests and demands. So it's very important to connect their growth strategies and find common interest. And this is a critical task and challenge for SCO members."

The Belarusian analyst¹⁰ suggests that experts from SCO member countries could work together to enhance communications across the platform.

"The Shanghai Cooperation Organization could offer a platform for experts from various countries to communicate and exchange ideas, as well as map out action plans on future development of the region. For instance, a think-tank center for the SCO could help provide effective advice for multilateral cooperation within the framework."

Belarus joined the SCO as an observer in 2015.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has arrived in China's coastal¹¹ city of Qingdao to attend the SCO summit.