BISHKEK (Shahid Ghuman) - Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states signed the Bishkek Declaration during the organisation’s summit, outlining a joint position on geopolitical developments, regional and global threats, economic cooperation, terrorism, the Middle East, nuclear non-proliferation and Afghanistan.
The declaration notably made no reference to the Ukraine conflict.
On human rights, SCO members opposed double standards and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, while stressing the importance of respecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
On economic matters, the member states backed an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system. They also opposed unilateral pressure and sanctions that conflict with the UN Charter, international law and World Trade Organization principles or negatively affect the global economy, food security, energy security or human security.
The Bishkek Declaration supported reforms to the global financial system and called for greater representation and participation of developing countries in international financial institutions. Members also backed greater financial cooperation through the SCO Interbank Consortium and supported accelerating the process of connecting Iran’s designated bank to the system.
Regarding the Middle East, SCO members expressed deep concern over the situation and reaffirmed support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They called for political and diplomatic means to resolve conflicts and welcomed efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
On counterterrorism, the member states rejected attempts to use terrorist, separatist or extremist groups for political or other interests, describing such practices as unacceptable. They condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, rejected double standards in combating terrorism and called for joint action under the central role of the United Nations.
The declaration reaffirmed full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and support for strengthening global nuclear disarmament and the international non-proliferation regime. At the same time, members reiterated their right to research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
SCO members stressed that the organisation is neither a military nor a political bloc and is not directed against any country or group. They said the organisation operates on the principles of mutual respect, equality, non-interference and openness and supports the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
On outer space, the member states called for keeping space free from all types of weapons and supported a legally binding international agreement to prevent an arms race in outer space.
The declaration also described the unilateral and unlimited expansion of global missile defence systems as harmful to international security and stability, stressing that no country should seek to ensure its security at the expense of the security of others.
SCO members reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the outcomes and historical memory of the Second World War and opposed attempts to distort history.
On Afghanistan, the declaration said sustainable peace requires an inclusive government with broad representation of all ethnic and political groups. Members reiterated their support for Afghanistan as an independent, neutral and peaceful state free from terrorism, war and narcotics.
The SCO countries also expressed their readiness to continue supporting international efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.