SCO leaders adopt the Bishkek Declaration on further cooperation
Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states adopted the Bishkek Declaration on Tuesday, outlining key areas for further cooperation in security, trade, technology and sustainable development.
International cooperation becomes particularly important when countries seek not only to respond to common challenges, but also to jointly create conditions for long-term stability and development. Through the Bishkek Declaration, SCO members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and supporting a more representative and equitable international order.
The document was adopted at the 26th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. The summit was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other leaders.
The declaration reaffirmed the commitment of the organization’s ten member states to international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The leaders called for a stronger role for the UN in maintaining international peace and security and promoting sustainable development.
They also supported a more representative and equitable multipolar world order and called for reforms of global governance that would ensure equal participation and decision-making opportunities for all states.
Security cooperation remains a key priority. SCO members reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, condemned terrorism in all its forms and rejected double standards in counterterrorism efforts. The leaders also called for stronger action against drug trafficking, cybercrime and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
On economic issues, the leaders highlighted the growing importance of the SCO region to the global economy and sustainable development. They agreed to strengthen open multilateral trade, opposed unilateral sanctions and protectionist measures, and reaffirmed their support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The member states also welcomed progress toward establishing the SCO Development Bank.
Environmental cooperation was another important area addressed in the declaration. The member states supported closer coordination in combating climate change, promoting green technologies and innovative solutions, as well as projects aimed at restoring and protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Following the summit, Pakistan will assume the SCO chairmanship from Kyrgyzstan and host the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State in 2027. The SCO currently comprises Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
As reported by SSTV+, the Bishkek Declaration reflects the SCO members’ intention to deepen cooperation in security, economic development, technology and sustainability while strengthening multilateral approaches to global challenges.
