At the recent 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity of prioritizing development and security within the organization. In his address on September 1, Xi underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation to enhance regional stability, calling for a shared commitment to prosperity and a more secure environment across the region.
President Xi highlighted the SCO’s achievements over its 25-year history, emphasizing principles such as mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for diverse civilizations. He urged member states to bolster cooperation in various domains, including trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and resources. Additionally, Xi advocated for expanding collaborations in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green industries.
Addressing security concerns, Xi called for a coordinated effort among SCO members to tackle both traditional and nontraditional threats, thereby reinforcing regional stability. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with other member nations in promoting a common, comprehensive, and sustainable security strategy.
The Bishkek summit witnessed SCO leaders endorsing the organization’s development trajectory over the past quarter-century and reiterating the need for enhanced cooperation to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration, alongside a series of agreements focusing on security, economic, cultural, and organizational collaboration.
