At 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 within the organization. Xi called for enhanced dialogue, cooperation, and regional stability, urging the SCO to foster shared prosperity and create a more secure regional environment. He also highlighted the need for members to advocate for equitable global governance while opposing unilateral actions and confrontation.
Xi reflected on the SCO’s achievements over its 25-year history, underscoring its foundational principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for diverse civilizations. He encouraged stronger collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and resources, while also expanding partnerships in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green industries.
Security was another focal point of Xi’s address, as he urged SCO members to work together in addressing both traditional and nontraditional threats to regional stability. He emphasized China’s readiness to collaborate with other countries in the organization to promote a common, comprehensive, and sustainable approach to security.
The summit in Bishkek saw SCO leaders endorsing the organization’s progress over the past quarter-century and calling for increased cooperation to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The attendees adopted the Bishkek Declaration, along with a series of agreements that cover security, economic, cultural, and organizational cooperation.