Leaders of SCO member states sign final Astana Declaration

The heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states signed a declaration following a meeting in Astana. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

According to the document, the SCO members intend to strengthen the group's international influence as one of the key associations of the multipolar world. They called for joint work on preventing the risks of artificial intelligence, and agreed to set up a special working group of SCO member states on climate change.

During the SCO+ meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out that the organisation is taking the most active steps to build chains of trade, logistics and mutual settlements. In addition, new, more efficient transport corridors are being formed, connecting the continent from north to south and from west to east.

"We are, of course, interested in involving the widest possible range of states in SCO industry projects. The Business Council, the Interbank Consortium and the Forum of Heads of Regions are open to partnership"

Vladimir Putin Russian President

Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting in the SCO+ format called on colleagues in the organisation to share experience in state governance.

"We suggest holding a SCO political party forum at a proper time"

Xi Jinping Chinese President

He added that the Chinese authorities will allocate an internship quota for 1,000 youth representatives from SCO countries in the next five years. Xi expressed confidence that by making joint efforts, the SCO member states can achieve a "new boom" in humanitarian exchanges.

The organisation provides a unique platform for member states to bring people together, cooperate, grow and prosper together. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this in an address to the SCO Heads of State Council in Astana, which was presented to the participants by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who was present at the summit.

"The world is moving inexorably towards multipolarity and in such a case, the importance of the SCO is increasing"

Narendra Modi Indian Prime Minister

Acting Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber suggested that the introduction of a breakthrough technology-based SCO single currency should be seriously discussed.

"Fortunately, the issue of using national currencies and increasing their share in the settlement of trade funds between member countries has been seriously placed on the organisation’s agenda," he noted.

The Iranian politician also called on the SCO states to strengthen energy security and co-operate in environmental initiatives.

In addition to the Astana Declaration, the summit participants signed several other agreements. Among them are statements by the SCO heads of state on the principles of good-neighbourliness, trust and partnership, on ensuring the safety of drinking water and sanitation, and on effective waste management. The initiative "On World Unity for Just Peace, Harmony and Development" and the draft SCO development strategy until 2035 were approved. A total of 25 documents were signed.

The SCO summit was held in Kazakhstan's Astana on 3-4 July. It was attended by representatives of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus (which officially joined the SCO during the summit), Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and other countries.

Photo: Xinhua News Agency, Ju Peng