Bishkek, June 5, 2026 /Kabar/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the growing importance of Central Asia in international affairs and expressed support for Kyrgyzstan's efforts to host a successful Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit this year in Bishkek.
Responding to a question of Kyrgyz National Kabar News Agency’s director Mederbek Shermetaliev about the role of Central Asia in strengthening international security and Kyrgyzstan’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council, Putin noted that the region is attracting increasing attention from the global community due to its economic potential, vast territory, natural resources and growing population.
According to the Russian leader, the SCO has evolved significantly since its establishment. Originally created as a mechanism for resolving border issues between China and several former Soviet republics, the organization has expanded into a major regional platform that now brings together 27 countries.
Putin stressed that while the organization’s work often remains outside the spotlight, practical efforts toward economic integration are underway, making the SCO an increasingly important factor in regional affairs.
Speaking about the upcoming SCO Summit in Bishkek, the Russian president said Moscow would primarily be guided by proposals put forward by the Kyrgyz side as the host country. He noted that the governments, foreign ministries and economic agencies of the member states remain in close contact and are coordinating preparations for the event.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing consultations would help achieve the necessary agreements and lead to the adoption of concrete tasks aimed at further strengthening and developing the organization.
Putin also wished Kyrgyzstan success in hosting the summit and reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to provide comprehensive support to ensure the event is held successfully.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the heads of leading international news agencies in St. Petersburg.
The meeting was traditionally organized by the Russian news agency TASS on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.