At the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held on September 1 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for the organization to focus on development and security. Xi urged the SCO to enhance dialogue and cooperation to maintain regional stability, advocating for shared prosperity and a secure environment. Additionally, he called on member states to support fair global governance and resist confrontational and unilateral approaches.
Reflecting on the SCO’s 25-year journey, Xi underscored its foundational principles, including mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for diverse civilizations. He advocated for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and resources. Moreover, Xi emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green industries.
In addressing security concerns, Xi urged SCO members to coordinate against both traditional and nontraditional threats while reinforcing regional stability. He expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with other members to foster a security approach that is common, comprehensive, and sustainable. His comments highlighted the organization’s role in maintaining peace and security across the region.
The summit in Bishkek saw the endorsement of the SCO’s development over the past 25 years, with leaders calling for enhanced cooperation to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity. In addition to the discussions, the summit concluded with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration and several agreements related to security, economic, cultural, and organizational cooperation, reflecting the collective commitment of member states to these goals.