Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will meet in Central Asian summit in a show of deepening cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping last met in May when Putin traveled to Beijing, emphasizing their strong partnership against the U.S.-led democratic order and advocating for a more “multipolar” world.

They are now set to reconvene during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s annual session on Wednesday and Thursday in Astana, Kazakhstan. Here’s what to expect from the summit:

What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established in 2001 by China and Russia to discuss security concerns in Central Asia and the wider region, Other members are Iran, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observer states and dialogue partners include Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Who’s attending this year?

Besides Putin and Xi, and summit host President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, other leaders there will be Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Emomali Rakhmon of Tajikistan, and President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan. President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus will attend because his nation is becoming a full member.