The SCO Leaders Summit Achieves fruitful cooperation | SCO | Achievements

On the afternoon of July 4th, the Iranian flag was raised at the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) located in Beijing, marking Iran's official becoming the ninth official member state of the SCO.

On that day, the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held via video. As UN Secretary General Guterres said at the meeting, the world is facing increasingly serious global challenges and risks, and geopolitical tensions are also intensifying. As a large international organization covering nearly half of the world's population, people around the world expect the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to play a more important role and work together to face new challenges.

Three major documents showcase the achievements of the summit

This summit continues to adhere to the Shanghai spirit, continuously consolidate the good neighborly friendship and political mutual trust of member states, deepen cooperation in various fields, and continuously expand its constructive role in international and regional affairs.

The summit adopted a total of 14 documents, including a statement on cooperation to combat extremism that triggers terrorism, separatism, and extremism, a statement by the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on cooperation in the field of digital transformation, and a resolution on the work of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in multiple fields.

The summit reaffirmed the adherence to recognized principles of international law, multilateralism, equality, common ground, indivisibility, comprehensiveness, cooperation, sustainable security, cultural and cultural diversity, and the central coordinating role of the United Nations. Through equal and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries, we aim to build a more representative, just and democratic multipolar world order.

The Statement on Combating Extreme Cooperation that Triggers Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism states that SCO member states are determined to deepen their law enforcement and security cooperation, promote multilateral cooperation, strengthen coordination at the global, regional, and national levels, adhere to maintaining equal, common, indivisible, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and coordinate responses to traditional and non-traditional security threats and challenges.

The Statement of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on Cooperation in the Field of Digital Transformation states that member states should work together to explore the digital potential in various fields and promote deep integration between the digital economy and the real economy. Member countries will continue to work hard, adhere to the people-centered approach, promote the universal accessibility and affordable cost of digital transformation dividends, in order to fully tap into human potential; Continue to promote relevant work, ensure the reduction of digital infrastructure usage costs, promote digital interconnectivity, tap into digital potential, and improve data interoperability; Firmly support the integration of digital solutions in key areas such as finance; Committed to promoting digital service applications while meeting information security requirements, benefiting the people of member countries; Member countries will cooperate in the field of data applications and learn from each other's advanced experiences and achievements.

The SCO family absorbs fresh blood

With Iran officially becoming the ninth official member state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the "SCO family" currently includes 9 member states, 3 observer states, and 14 dialogue partners. In addition, many countries have expressed their willingness to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which reflects the recognition of the "Shanghai Spirit" centered on basic principles such as open cooperation, non alignment, non confrontation, and non targeting of other countries and regions.

When it comes to the impact of expansion, Zhang Ming, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, stated that the expansion reflects the principles and values followed by the organization, which are widely welcomed by the international community, especially countries and people who love peace and are committed to cooperation.

Li Yongquan, President of the China Russia Eastern Europe Central Asia Society, pointed out that the addition of new members will help the Shanghai Cooperation Organization play a positive role on a larger scale.

Iranian President Ibrahim Lehi said, "The benefits of being a full member of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be historic."

Another analyst pointed out that Iran's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is no less significant than its restoration of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, which is an important step for Iran to gradually break away from diplomatic isolation.

In addition, the meeting signed a memorandum on the obligations of the Republic of Belarus to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the process of Belarus joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a member state is steadily advancing.

China Central Asia Cooperation regains momentum

At this summit, the five Central Asian countries, as member states or special guests, were invited to attend, continuing the small peak of China Central Asia cooperation since early 2023.

As the intersection of the three cooperation mechanisms of the SCO, the China Central Asia Summit and the "the Belt and Road" initiative, the China Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan railway project has attracted renewed attention. Previously, Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to establish a unified transportation and transit system, with the construction of the China Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Railway being an important part of it.

For the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, another very important issue that affects security and stability in Central Asia is the situation around Afghanistan. Former Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Portapenko, pointed out that peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan is also a key aspect of China Central Asia cooperation.

Kyrgyz President Zaparov stated during the meeting that he will work with relevant countries to assist in building a peaceful and stable Afghanistan in the future. "At the same time, Kyrgyzstan will uphold the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs and respect the Afghan people's right to determine the country's future based on historical experience, culture, traditions, and national characteristics."

Zhang Wei, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan, believes that this SCO summit brings new opportunities for cooperation in various fields between China and Uzbekistan. At this summit, China proposed to work with all parties to implement the Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.

Zhang Wei said: "Guided by the three major initiatives, China is willing to further strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan under multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, deepen the integration of interests, jointly build the the Belt and Road with high quality, and constantly create a situation of national development and prosperity and people's well-being in the common development, shared tranquility, and shared civilization, so as to promote the construction of a better world."