“The member states underscore that the SCO is not a political-military bloc and is not directed against other countries or international organizations. The SCO operates based on openness, non-interference, equality, and mutual respect,” states the document adopted at the conclusion of the meeting of the Council of Heads of State, marking the organization’s 25th anniversary.

The text states that the member nations keep a policy that excludes bloc-like and confrontational approaches to resolving international and regional development issues, and advocate for the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes among countries, for guaranteeing sustainable international peace, and for joint action against security threats.

The statement underscores that interaction in the SCO Plus format forms a broad global alliance.

At the same time, initiatives to boost cooperation in building “a new kind of international relations based on mutual respect, justice, equality, and mutually beneficial cooperation,” as well as develop dialogue around the idea of “One Earth. One Family. One Future,” remain relevant.

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