Kyrgyzstan insists on prompt adoption of SCO long-term development strategy

BISHKEK. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov insists on the prompt adoption of a long-term strategy for the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the period until 2035 with regard for the difficult global geopolitical situation.

"It is necessary to adopt a long-term strategy for using the entire potential of the SCO with regard for the current difficult global geopolitical situation. Kyrgyzstan will support prompt adoption of the SCO development strategy for the period until 2035," Japarov said at a meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council in Islamabad.

The total GDP of the SCO states has more than doubled since 2009, he said. The organization's share in the global economy reached some 25%, and the foreign trade volume of SCO states increased by 250%.

"These achievements confirm the high potential of the region, which, with the right strategy, can become a driver of global growth," Japarov said.

He also said it is necessary to effectively implement joint infrastructure projects. "Such approach creates serious advantages to railway lines that cross the center of the Eurasian continent, which will reduce the cargo transportation route by thousands of kilometers. [...] We are certain that the project to build a railway line connecting China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will become a significant step towards full use of the region's transit potential," Japarov said.