Shanghai Cooperation Organization Adopts Bishkek Declaration, Deepens Cooperation in Security, Trade, Technology
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states adopted the Bishkek Declaration on Tuesday, developing plans to deepen cooperation in the fields of security, trade, and technology on the occasion of the organization’s 25th anniversary.
The declaration was approved at the meeting of the Council of SCO Member States in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This summit brought together key regional leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The declaration reaffirmed the commitment of the 10 member countries to international law and the United Nations Charter, calling for the strengthening of the UN’s role in maintaining international peace and security and promoting sustainable development.
The document also supported what members described as a “more just and inclusive multipolar world order,” while calling for reforms in global governance that ensure equal participation of countries in decision-making.
Furthermore, the declaration emphasized the responsible use of artificial intelligence, reform of global economic governance, and stronger cooperation in sustainable development, while opposing what it termed “double standards,” particularly in the area of human rights.
The group also underscored the non-military nature of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, stating that its members “adhere to an approach that sets aside bloc-building and confrontational methods in addressing international and regional development issues.”
In addition to this declaration, the leaders of the member states signed over 20 other documents in the areas of security, combating drug trafficking, technology, transportation, energy, and environmental cooperation. These measures included steps to strengthen regional security and counter drug trafficking, expand transport and logistics links, develop artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, and deepen cooperation on energy and environmental issues.
The summit also approved closer cooperation between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the African Union Commission, and designated Lahore, Pakistan, as the organization’s Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-2027.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization comprises 10 member countries: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Pakistan will assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization from Kyrgyzstan and will host the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State in 2027.
