SCO Summit: Countries agree on bolstering global peace, commit to combating drug trafficking

The Astana Declaration was adopted by the participating countries at the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Thursday (July 4).

The nation-states also approved 25 strategic documents which emphasized energy, security, trade, finance, and information security.

SCO members, during the summit, endorsed the Initiative On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony and Development, which was earlier proposed by the host country Kazakhstan.

As per the Astana Declaration, the role of the SCO was underscored by the member states in ensuring security and stability, bolstering global peace, establishing a new democratic, equitable international political and economic order, and inviting the global community to take part in the initiative.

The SCO's Council of Heads of State – Members adopted the SCO Development Strategy till 2035 which outlined the collective contributions in the wake of Belarus getting membership status.

As part of the key resolutions were the co-operation programmes to combat separatism, terrorism, and extremism for 2025-2027.

They also adopted the Anti-Drug Strategy for the next five years and the corresponding Action Programme.

They also approved the Economic Development Strategy's Action Plan until 2030 and strategies for energy cooperation till 2030.

The countries also committed to signing a memorandum of understanding between the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Centre and the SCO Secretariat to combat illicit drug trafficking.

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At the summit, they also adopted an interaction plan among member states on the issues of international information security.

The resolutions also covered the Association of Investors, programmes for developing mechanisms for financing SCO project activities and co-operation in protected areas and eco-tourism.

The member states further signed statements which affirmed principles of good neighbourliness, trust, and partnership, promoting effective waste management and ensuring the safety of drinking water and sanitation.

An agreement was also formalised by them on environmental protection co-operation among SCO governments.

After the conclusion of the Summit, the SCO chairmanship will be assumed by the People's Republic of China for the next term. Meanwhile, they will appoint Qingdao as the SCO's tourism and cultural capital for 2024-2025.

(With inputs from agencies)