At the forefront of the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of prioritizing development and security. He urged the SCO to bolster dialogue, cooperation, and regional stability. Xi advocated for shared prosperity within the region, encouraging the organization to help foster a more secure environment while supporting equitable global governance. He also called for opposition to unilateralism and confrontation.
Reflecting on the SCO’s 25-year journey, Xi underscored the organization’s foundational principles, including mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for diverse civilizations. He called for enhanced collaboration among members in areas like trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and resources. Additionally, Xi pointed to the necessity of expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green industries, which are increasingly vital to the region’s growth.
On the security front, Xi stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among SCO members to tackle both traditional and nontraditional threats, thereby reinforcing regional stability. He expressed China’s readiness to partner with other members in promoting a common, comprehensive, and sustainable security strategy. This approach aims to ensure a stable environment conducive to the region’s development and prosperity.
During the summit, SCO leaders backed the organization’s progress over the past quarter-century and emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The summit culminated in the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration, along with a series of agreements that cover a range of areas, including security, economic, cultural, and organizational cooperation.
