President Tokayev Reveals Strategic Vision for SCO Members Sydney Concludes Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Delivers Key Address at 24th SCO Summit in Astana
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan outlined crucial strategic directions for the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during his speech at the 24th summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State on July 4 in Astana.
Speaking at the summit, President Tokayev emphasized that the SCO has become an effective mechanism of interstate relations, operating on the principles of the “Shanghai spirit” of friendship, good neighborliness, equality, and mutual support.
He highlighted the significance of the SCO as an organization that encompasses more than three billion people and includes the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, accounting for a third of global GDP. This demonstrates the immense potential and global role of the organization.
In his address, President Tokayev stressed the importance of strengthening mutual trust and cooperation in security. He called for the SCO to play a vital role in ensuring peace and security on a global scale, especially in the face of current global challenges.
President Tokayev proposed various measures to enhance security within the SCO, including developing agreements on confidence-building measures in the military sphere and strengthening cybersecurity. He also highlighted the importance of combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism through joint efforts.
On the economic front, President Tokayev pointed out the growing mutual trade among SCO countries and highlighted the need to develop special tax, customs, and migration regimes to foster economic growth. He proposed creating a mechanism for financial support of project activities based on the Astana International Financial Centre.
President Tokayev also underscored the significance of strengthening transport connectivity within the SCO. He called for synergizing China’s Belt and Road Initiative with other trans-Eurasian corridors to enhance trade and economic cooperation among member states.
As the current chair of the SCO, Kazakhstan has proposed balanced measures to transform the organization into a more effective multilateral cooperation mechanism. The Kazakh chairmanship has also focused on enhancing cultural and humanitarian ties, with initiatives such as the SCO Spiritual Sanctuaries and the first international music festival, SCO Silk Road.
During the summit, leaders of SCO member states lauded the new resolutions adopted in Astana. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the solid package of documents and resolutions prepared with Kazakhstan’s active participation. Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Japarov highlighted the importance of unity in overcoming global challenges, while Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended Kazakhstan for its commitment to promoting SCO collective goals.
In conclusion, SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming reiterated the importance of the Shanghai Spirit in driving the organization’s progress. President of China Xi Jinping emphasized the need for member countries to consolidate unity against interference in internal affairs by foreign forces.
The 24th SCO Summit in Astana resulted in the signing of the Astana Declaration and 25 resolutions, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual support among member states in various areas of security, economy, and connectivity.
