The joint declaration of the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) outlines the collective stance of member countries on various global issues and reinforcing commitments to mutual cooperation in political, economic, and security spheres.
One of the key highlights of the declaration is the unified opposition to unilateral trade restrictions, which the SCO member states argue violate international laws and negatively impact the global economy.
The statement emphasized that such sanctions should be avoided to foster a more equitable and transparent global trading system.
The full statement can be accessed HERE.
The meeting saw strong support from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and other member states for China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to boost regional connectivity and development.
SCO countries reiterated their commitment to promoting broad and equitable cooperation across the region, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and adherence to national interests in line with international laws.
The declaration underscored the necessity for joint efforts to strengthen the global trading system under the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), calling for the removal of trade barriers in accordance with WTO principles. The SCO reiterated its support for a non-discriminatory, transparent, and equitable trading system and urged member countries to work towards its development.
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The forum also emphasized its commitment to global peace, unity, and justice, echoing the vision of "One Earth, One Family, One Future." Leaders pledged to foster cooperation across various sectors, including politics, security, trade, economy, and culture, with the aim of creating a peaceful, safe, and environmentally clean world.
Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states remained a focal point in the declaration. SCO countries reaffirmed their support for the right of self-determination and stressed the importance of equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs of nations.
The peaceful resolution of disputes through negotiations and consultations was encouraged, reflecting the forum's commitment to harmony and development in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly resolution.
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Additionally, the meeting focused on promoting green development, digital technology, and renewable energy, with a proposal to establish a data bank for ongoing projects in member countries. Cooperation in fields such as information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and e-commerce was also highlighted.
Cultural exchange and communication were other areas of focus, with leaders agreeing on measures to enhance collaboration between member states. The declaration reaffirmed the importance of implementing the decisions made in previous SCO meetings and committed to increasing cooperation in various sectors, including security, trade, economy, and investment, to ensure sustainable development and peace in the region.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to strengthening international relations based on mutual interest and respect, with a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and development for all member countries.
