During the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of prioritizing development and security within the organization. He stressed the need for the SCO to enhance dialogue and cooperation to ensure regional stability. Xi advocated for the promotion of shared prosperity and the creation of a more secure regional environment, while also urging members to endorse more equitable global governance and to oppose confrontation and unilateralism.
Reflecting on the SCO’s 25-year journey, Xi underscored its foundational principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for diverse civilizations. He called for intensified collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and resources. Additionally, Xi highlighted the potential for expanding cooperation in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green industries.
On the security front, Xi urged SCO members to coordinate efforts to address both traditional and nontraditional threats, thereby enhancing regional stability. He expressed China’s willingness to work collaboratively with other member states to develop a comprehensive, sustainable approach to security that benefits all parties involved.
The leaders attending the Bishkek summit endorsed the SCO’s progress over the past 25 years, recognizing the importance of greater cooperation to safeguard regional peace, stability, and prosperity. During the summit, the Bishkek Declaration was adopted, along with a series of agreements that cover various domains, including security, economic, cultural, and organizational cooperation.