SCO leaders adopted joint declaration following Samarkand summit

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states approved the main document of the summit - the Samarkand Declaration - on Friday, following meetings in narrow and extended format. The sides also approved a package of documents on cooperation in different spheres.

As reported by the Uzbek side, the declaration will define joint approaches to ensuring regional stability, sustainable economic development, strengthening of transport and communication links as well as deepening of the cultural dialogue.

Aide to the Russian President Yuri Ushakov noted that the declaration will record the main results of the summit and "the consolidated positions of all countries on issues of further development of the organization and the current topics of the global and regional agenda."

Key provisions of the document:

The international situation

• Leaders of the SCO countries noted a "dangerous degradation of the state of affairs in the world."
• The SCO countries share similar views on the current international agenda, stand for a more equal world order and the formation of a common vision of a "common destiny of mankind".
• The SCO has agreed to promote good-neighborly relations.
• Leaders of the organization confirmed its openness to cooperation with other states and no intention to oppose anyone from outside.
• The parties stand for "respect of the right of nations to independently and democratically choose their own paths of political and socio-economic development."
• The SCO members support the active participation of women in political and other spheres.
• The SCO countries are of the opinion that conflicts should be resolved only through diplomatic efforts.
• Speedy settlement of the situation in Afghanistan is one of the major factors in strengthening security in the SCO region. 

Countering terrorism and strengthening of security

• The SCO countries have condemned terrorist acts around the world and are committed to working actively to eliminate conditions conducive to terrorism.
• The SCO countries consider it important to increase international efforts to prevent youth involvement in terrorist organizations.
• The SCO leaders declared inadmissibility of intervention in the affairs of states under the pretext of combating terrorism.
• They will work out common approaches to compiling a list of terrorist organizations banned on their territories. 
• The SCO will continue taking steps to confront the growing challenges in the region.
• Expansion of the SCO and deepening of international cooperation will ensure security and stability in the region.
• The SCO noted the importance of deepening cooperation between the organization and the CICA in ensuring security in the region.
• The parties noted the results of the international conference dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the joint action plan for the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia.
• The organization advocated for equal rights for all countries to regulate the Internet.

Cooperation within the UN

• Leaders of the organization will continue to cooperate within the specialized negotiating mechanisms of the UN and other international organizations.
• Unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those adopted by the UN Security Council is inconsistent with the principles of international law.

Defense and nuclear weapons

• The SCO countries advocated for continuing nuclear disarmament in the world.
• All member states of the Iranian nuclear deal should strictly abide by their commitments for the full implementation of the deal.
• They call for strict observance of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the adoption of a protocol to this convention that would provide for an effective verification mechanism. 
• The SCO leaders intend to cooperate more extensively in the field of defense and security.
• The SCO countries are categorically against the militarization of information technologies.
• The member countries consider it necessary to keep outer space free of any weapons and adopt an international document to prevent an arms race there.
   

Trade and national currencies

• Leaders of the organization oppose protectionist measures and trade restrictions that threaten the global economy.
• The SCO countries declared for the expansion of the practice of gradually increasing the share of national currencies in mutual settlements.
• The SCO Council of Heads of State Council was authorized to take measures to increase the efficiency of interaction in the field of electronic commerce.
• The member states will continue consultations on establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Development Fund.
• The SCO countries stressed the need for the soonest inclusive reform of the World Trade Organization, with a focus on the issues of adapting to modern economic realities.
• The members of the organization will strengthen the open multilateral trade system based on the principles and rules of the WTO, and oppose protectionist measures and trade restrictions that threaten the global economy.
• The SCO countries decided to create working groups on start-ups and innovation and on fighting poverty.

Fighting the pandemic

• The organization members appreciated the RF initiative to hold regular emergency response training.
• The members of the organization emphasized the need to further strengthen international cooperation in fighting the spread of the coronavirus.
• The SCO member states will fight against attempts to legalize the non-medical use of drugs.

Crime and corruption

• The SCO member states will continue their joint efforts in the fight against cybercrime.
• The leaders of the organization stand up for strengthening international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

Culture, science and tourism

• The SCO countries are sure that it is inadmissible to use the climate agenda for the introduction of measures restricting trade cooperation.
• The SCO countries expressed their support for establishing the International Fund for the Glacier Protection.
• The SCO nations highly praise the results of Uzbekistan's presidency in 2021-2022.
• The leaders of the SCO member states agreed to declare the year 2023 the Year of Tourism.
• The city of Varanasi will become the touristic and cultural capital of the SCO in 2022-2023.
• The countries of the organization are ready to conduct joint scientific research.
• The SCO countries consider it important to hold contests for students and forums of young people.
• The leaders of the SCO urged to develop contacts in the media and cooperation in sports.
• The SCO member-states consider it important to develop interaction in the sphere of culture, including literature, cinematography, music and painting.

GSV "Russia - Islamic world"

Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation

Based on materials from TASS