Bishkek Declaration on the 25th Anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

We, the leaders of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter referred to as the SCO or the Organization), meeting at the session of the Council of Heads of State on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the SCO, reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the SCO, further enhance good-neighborliness and friendship and carry out comprehensive and efficient cooperation, and hereby declare as follows: Since its foundation, the Organization has successfully passed the historical stage of institutional and conceptual development and established itself as a universally recognized and dynamically developing multilateral association whose role in international and regional affairs is steadily growing. Over the past 25 years, the SCO has built a solid legal foundation, established efficient cooperation mechanisms and defined the strategic directions for its long-term development. The Member States highly appreciate the Organization’s achievements in maintaining regional security and stability, countering various threats and challenges, promoting economic and social development, and deepening exchanges and cooperation in the humanitarian, sports, scientific, technological, educational and other fields. The Member States will continue to consolidate the unity of the Organization and implement the tasks and goals set out in the SCO Development Strategy for the Next Decade (2026–2035). The Member States emphasize that the SCO is not a military-political bloc and is not directed against any state or international organization. It operates on the principles of openness, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual respect. The Member States welcome cooperation with all states, international organizations and multilateral institutions that are willing to do so and whose cooperation does not harm the interests of the SCO and its Member States. They believe that the “SCO+” cooperation model contributes to building a broad and inclusive global partnership. The Member States particularly stress the importance of enhanced dialogue between the SCO and the United Nations and its specialized agencies for maintaining peace, promoting sustainable development and advancing humanitarian cooperation. The Member States regard the “Shanghai Spirit” — mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development — as being of vital importance.