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. He urged the SCO to enhance dialogue and cooperation to ensure regional stability, while also promoting shared prosperity and a secure environment. Xi called on member states to support fair global governance and resist unilateral actions and confrontations.
Highlighting the organization’s 25-year journey, Xi reiterated the SCO’s foundational principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and respect for diverse civilizations. He advocated for stronger collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and resources. Furthermore, Xi encouraged the expansion of partnerships in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green industries.
On the security front, Xi addressed the necessity for SCO members to coordinate their efforts in tackling both traditional and nontraditional threats. He stressed the importance of reinforcing regional stability and expressed China’s willingness to work with other nations to foster a comprehensive and sustainable security approach.
During the Bishkek summit, SCO leaders acknowledged the organization’s progress over the past quarter-century. They called 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 focusing on security, economic, cultural, and organizational collaboration.