SCO Seeks Deeper Energy Ties

Russia, China and the Central Asian states are expected to call for an intensification of energy ties and multipolarity as their leaders meet at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Bishkek on Thursday.

In a sign that cooperation within the SCO, which was created in 2001 to bolster security along the bloc’s borders, is gaining momentum, the president of Turkmenistan, which has previously abstained, will participate in the meeting for the first time.
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov’s attendance will give the event particular significance.

“No doubt, we understand the importance of this move,” the Foreign Ministry official said.

An agreement between Russia and Turkmenistan in May to build a new Caspian gas pipeline was widely seen as a blow to U.S. interests in the region.

SCO members are keen on increasing ties not only in the oil and gas sector, but also in hydropower and alternative energy, and possibly in nuclear energy, the Foreign Ministry official said.

The United States and Europe will likely view the ever-increasing cooperation with suspicion, with Iran’s presence at the summit being a matter for particular concern.

Some observers expect Russia to use the meeting to push for the inclusion of Iran into the group.

Moscow Times