SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Kyrgyzstan
On Friday, a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states took place in Kyrgyzstan. The meeting was attended by foreign ministers of the member states, the SCO Secretary-General and the Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. The meeting reaffirmed the strategic course set by the Tianjin SCO Summit, which outlined the organisation's development plan for the next decade and opened a new phase of high quality cooperation. It was noted that over the past year, China had implemented key initiatives proposed by its president and made practical contributions to regional development.
The launch of seven cooperation platforms was announced – in green industry, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, energy, higher and vocational education, and artificial intelligence. More than 160 projects have already been implemented within these platforms. The action plan for high quality economic and trade cooperation is steadily being implemented, and trade volumes between China and other SCO member states continue to grow.
Participants noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO. It was stressed that the SCO consistently adheres to the "Shanghai Spirit" – mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for civilisational diversity and the pursuit of common development. The adopted development strategy for the next decade clearly shows that member states intend to deepen interaction and contribute to building a more democratic and equitable multipolar world.
During the meeting, the Chinese side, represented by Wang Yi, put forward four proposals for the further development of the SCO: strengthening the Shanghai Spirit as a fundamental principle; reinforcing the SCO's role as a guarantor of peace and stability; giving new impetus to mutually beneficial development; and creating a model zone of global governance. Participants highly praised Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship and the SCO's achievements over 25 years. They stressed the need to uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, develop the Shanghai Spirit, combat the "three evils" and expand practical cooperation in energy, communications and the digital economy.
The meeting adopted a statement by the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers and signed relevant resolutions on preparations for the Bishkek SCO Summit.
As CCTV+ reports. The upcoming summit is expected to be an important milestone in further strengthening the SCO's role in regional and global politics.
