ANKARA

Russia is hosting an online meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Tuesday.

Leaders of the SCO’s Council of Heads of State will discuss measures to strengthen cooperation, including in the context of the global political and socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release.

“They will focus on ways to promote the SCO member states’ practical interaction in politics, security, trade and the economy, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as political dialogue, above all in the interests of stability in the SCO space,” read the statement.

“They will also discuss the enhancement of their countries’ trade and economic collaboration and coordination at the main international venues.”

Formed in April 1996, the SCO is a political, economic, and security bloc comprising eight members – China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.

SCO member states account for around 42% of the world’s population, 22% of the land area, and around 20% of global GDP.