SCO FMs issue statement on cooperation, regional security

CHOLPON-ATA, Kyrgyzstan, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) issued a joint statement on Friday, reaffirming their commitment to multilateral cooperation, regional security and a more representative and inclusive multipolar world.

At the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SCO Member States held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, the ministers discussed deepening cooperation in the political, security, economic and people-to-people and cultural fields, as well as current international and regional hot issues.

The member states reaffirmed the SCO's commitment to the principles of not targeting other states and organizations, mutual respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use of force or threats of using force in international relations.

The statement noted that this year all SCO work has centered on the 25th anniversary of the organization's founding. Over the past years of development, the SCO has grown into an influential and dynamic multilateral mechanism that has successfully built the region into a home of lasting peace and harmonious coexistence. The member states have abided by the purposes and principles of the SCO Charter, carried out mutually beneficial multilateral cooperation on an equal footing, and safeguarded the common interests and independent development paths of all countries.

The statement said the world today is entering a new period of rapid development and profound transformation. The role of Global South countries continues to grow, emerging economic and political centers are playing an increasingly prominent role, countries are becoming increasingly intertwined and interconnected, and the process of informatization and digitalization is constantly accelerating.

Against this backdrop, the SCO member states reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to upholding the central coordinating role of the United Nations and building a more representative, inclusive, democratic and just multipolar world based on international law, multilateralism, peace and security, respect for cultural and civilizational diversity, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation among states.

Amid rising global and regional security threats, the ministers expressed deep concern over the developments in the Middle East and around Iran. They reaffirmed the principled position regarding the condemnation of military strikes against Iran as outlined in the Tianjin Declaration adopted at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO on Sept. 1, 2025, holding that such acts of aggression constitute a grave violation of the UN Charter and the principles and norms of international law.

The ministers once again expressed their sincere condolences over the tragic death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and extended their sympathies to the Iranian government and people as well as his family.

The statement said the member states firmly advocated abiding by the UN Charter and the norms of international law, and resolving international conflicts through political and diplomatic means. In this context, the SCO welcomes all efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation in Iran and the region.

Meanwhile, the council reaffirms that Central Asia is the core region of the SCO, supports the efforts of Central Asian countries to maintain peace and security in their own countries and the region, and advocates that the SCO play an active role in further consolidating stability and promoting economic and social development in the region.

The statement emphasized the need to further strengthen joint actions against terrorism, separatism, extremism, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.

The member states strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, firmly opposed double standards in counter-terrorism, and called on the international community to uphold the central coordinating role of the United Nations and jointly combat terrorist acts, including the cross-border movement of terrorists.

The statement said the member states advocated building an open, fair, inclusive, equal and non-discriminatory digital development environment while respecting the technological sovereignty of all countries.

The member states considered it unacceptable for any country to pursue its own security at the expense of the security of others.

They also emphasized the need to continue improving and reforming the global economic governance system and to uphold an open, transparent, fair, inclusive, equal and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system.

The member states regarded unilateral coercive measures, including economic sanctions, that violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law as unacceptable, saying such measures impede international cooperation and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The member states also advocated further expanding mutual trade among SCO countries to create more opportunities for businesses.

The statement emphasized that strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among peoples remains a defining feature of the SCO. It said that respect for cultural and civilizational diversity, historical traditions and national conditions of member states provides a solid foundation for constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries, and contributes to safeguarding international peace and security and promoting sustainable development. ■