SCO member states reaffirm commitment to cooperation and sustainable development

The SCO member states have reaffirmed commitment to further develop mutual cooperation in different spheres, including security, trade, economy, investment and cultural and humanitarian ties to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous and ecologically clean planet Earth.

This was stated in the Joint Communiqué adopted at the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad today.

The Heads of Delegations considered it important to pursue sustainable and inclusive economic growth by optimizing the region’s potential in areas such as green development, digital economy, trade, investment, poverty alleviation, healthcare, agriculture, industry, connectivity, energy, science and technology and climate change.

They stressed the importance of implementing the concept of cooperation in the development of the “New Economic Dialogue” among the SCO member states.

The SCO meeting emphasized that the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use of force or threat of use of force are the basis for the sustainable development of international relations.

They reaffirmed the commitment to the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultations.

The Heads of Delegations considered it important to continue joint efforts to counter protectionist trade measures that are contrary to WTO rules and regulations, as well as to continue working on a transparent multilateral trading system.

Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan while reaffirming support for China’s One Belt, One Road initiative, noted ongoing work on joint implementation of the project, including efforts to bridge the Eurasian Economic Union and OBOR.

The heads of delegations reaffirmed their desire to ensure stable economic and social development in the SCO region. They noted the importance of implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 and the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of the SCO member states.

The communiqué noted that the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises is important to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.

The SCO meeting instructed the relevant Ministries and Departments of the Member States to intensify consultations on the establishment of the SCO Development Bank, the SCO Development Fund and the SCO Investment Fund.

The Heads of Delegations reaffirmed the commitment to cooperate on climate change and overcome its negative consequences through the exchange of experience and the study of best practices. They instructed the relevant ministries and departments to accelerate the establishment of the activities of the Special Working Group on Climate Change, including the adoption of the relevant Regulation.

The SCO meeting agreed to increasing cooperation in the prevention and treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases.

They reaffirmed the need for action to strengthen global food security and improve nutrition and encourage efforts to develop cooperation in research on climate-resilient and nutritious cereal crops, including millet, rice, wheat, maize and other traditional crops.

The meeting stressed the need for deepening cooperation in the humanitarian field by introducing new formats of interaction in education, culture, tourism and sports.  It emphasized to accelerate the establishment of the Association of SCO Sports Organizations and to hold the SCO Sports Games.

The heads of delegations noted the proposal to hold the “Silk Road” mini-football tournament for the SCO Member States Cup in futsal in Tehran this year.

The SCO leaders noted the role of the SCO Youth Council in strengthening cooperation between youth organizations and young leaders. They emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy contributes to strengthening mutual understanding and cultural and humanitarian ties within the SCO.

Furthermore, decisions were made on a number of issues related to the financial and organizational activities of the SCO Permanent Bodies, taking into account the accession of the Republic of Belarus to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.