Tokaev welcomed the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

According to the official Telegram channel of the press service of the head of state, the president was briefed on the current activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the priority areas of cooperation.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the uniqueness of the organization, highly appreciating its vast potential in the political, economic, and cultural spheres of interaction. He stated that particular attention is given to issues of regional and global security.

"The head of state highlighted the importance of further improving the organization's activities, enhancing connections with international associations, and promoting the initiative proposed by Kazakhstan for the SCO 'On World Unity for a Just World, Peace, and Development.' "

"In accordance with the decision of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, effective January 1, 2025, Nurlan Ermekbaev has taken office as the Secretary-General of the SCO," - noted in Akorda.

It is worth recalling that in July 2024, it became known that Nurlan Ermekbaev was appointed Secretary-General of the SCO for the years 2025-2027. The decision was made at the organization's summit in Astana.

From August 2018 to August 2021, Nurlan Ermekbaev headed the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Earlier, in a lengthy interview with the newspaper "Ana tili," the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, commented on rumors regarding a possible appointment as UN Secretary-General.