Lukashenko expects Belarus to join SCO at summit in Astana in July

MINSK. June 25 (Interfax) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said he expects his country to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at its upcoming summit in Astana.

"We do hope that this [Belarus's accession to the SCO] will take place in Astana [at the SCO summit on July 3-4]," Belarus's Belta state news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying at a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"At least, judging by your remarks lately, I see that we've complied with all obligations, and there are no problems with Belarus's accession to the SCO now. This is very important for Belarus," Lukashenko said.

He thanked Russia for support in this.