SAMARKAND DECLARATION

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Context: The leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (hereinafter referred to as "the SCO" or "the Organization"), as a result of the meeting of the Council of Heads of State in the city of Samarkand on 16 September 2022, gave the Samarkand declaration.

Details:

The member states, based on the proximity or convergence of assessments of the current regional and international agenda, reaffirm their commitment to a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order.
The SCO Member States, in accordance with the principles of the SCO Charter, adhere to a line ruling out bloc, ideologized and confrontational approaches to addressing international and regional development problems and countering traditional and non-traditional challenges and threats to security.
Taking into account the views of Member States, they confirm the relevance of initiatives to promote cooperation in building a new type of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutual benefit, as well as forming a common vision of creating a community of shared destiny for humanity.
The Member States advocate respect for the right of peoples to independently and democratically choose their political and socio-economic development, and stress that the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of States, equality, mutual benefit, non- interference in internal affairs, and non-use or threat of use of force are the basis for sustainable development of international relations.
The member states reaffirm the non-targeting of SCO against other states and international organizations and openness to extensive cooperation
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization today has firmly established itself as an authoritative and influential multilateral association whose activities are aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability, jointly confronting new challenges and threats in the SCO region, and strengthening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations among SCO countries.
The member States emphasize the historic significance of the SCO Charter adopted 20 years ago, which laid the foundation for close, fruitful and multifaceted cooperation among the SCO member States based on the "Shanghai spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the desire for joint development.
Underlining the significance of the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Long-term Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation of the SCO Member States, the leaders of the SCO member States approved the Comprehensive Plan for its implementation for 2023-2027.
The Member States consider Central Asia to be the core of SCO and support the efforts of the countries of the region to ensure prosperity and peace, sustainable development and the formation of a space of good-neighbourliness, trust and friendship.
The Member States expressed deep concern over the security threat posed by terrorism, separatism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations and strongly condemned terrorist acts around the world. They stressed the importance of consistent implementation of the 2022-2024 Programme of Cooperation of the SCO Member States in countering terrorism, separatism and extremism
The Member States noted the results of the joint anti-terrorism exercises of the competent authorities of the SCO member states "Pabbi - Anti-Terror - 2021" and the joint border operation of the border services of the competent authorities of the SCO member states "Solidarity - 2019-2021", as well as the effective presidency of the Republic of India in the SCO RATS Council (2021-2022).
The Member States consider it necessary to implement the decision of the SCO CHS on improvement of mechanisms to counter challenges and threats to security of the SCO Member States taking into account the relevant initiatives on establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as a separate permanent body (Republic of Tajikistan); on establishment of the Universal Centre to Counter Challenges and Threats to Security of the SCO member-states based on the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in Tashkent city.
The SCO Member States will continue to cooperate in the field of international information security on the basis of the Agreement between the governments of the SCO member states of 16 June 2009 (Ekaterinburg) and the corresponding Cooperation Plan for 2022-2023.
Member States noted the nomination of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (2025-2026), the Kyrgyz Republic (2027-2028), the Republic of India (2028-2029), the Republic of Tajikistan (2028-2029), the Republic of Kazakhstan (2039-2040) as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as the nomination of the Kyrgyz Republic (2023-2025) and the People's Republic of China (2024-2026) for membership of the UN Security Council.) and the People's Republic of China (2024-2026) for membership of the UN Human Rights Council, the candidacy of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the post of President of the UN General Assembly for 2031-2032, and the candidacy of the Republic of Tajikistan for membership of the UN Economic and Social Council for 2024-2026.
They also stressed the importance of holding regular joint military counter-terrorism command and staff exercises "Peace Mission" to enhance the level of cooperation in combating armed formations of international terrorist organizations and improve counter-terrorism methods.
The Member States note that illicit drug trafficking and its non-medical use are a threat to international and regional security and stability, sustainable economic development of States, the health and welfare of peoples, as well as the exercise of fundamental human rights and freedoms. They stress the importance of consolidating forces to combat illicit drug trafficking and advocate the further active development of practical cooperation in this area.
The Member States consider the sustained implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear programme important and, in accordance with UNSCR 2231, call upon all participants to rigorously implement their commitments for the full and effective implementation of the document.
The Member States that are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons advocate strict compliance with the provisions of the Treaty
Member States again draw attention to the negative impact of unilateral and unrestricted build-ups of global missile defence systems by individual countries or groups of States on international security and stability. They consider unacceptable attempts to ensure their own security at the expense of the security of other States.
Member States advocate multilateral political and diplomatic responses to global and regional challenges and threats to security, and will enhance cooperation and actively promote the multilateral arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation process, including efforts in the Conference on Disarmament.
The Member States are in favour of maintaining outer space free of weapons of all kinds
Member States emphasize the importance of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC) as a pillar of the global security architecture.
The Member States call for full compliance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) as an effective disarmament and non- proliferation instrument.
The Member States believe that the early entry of the Protocol on Security Assurances to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia into force will make a significant contribution to regional security and the strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation regime for all signatory States.
The SCO Member States believe that one of the most important factors in preserving and strengthening security and stability in the SCO region is the speedy settlement of the situation in Afghanistan.
They advocate the development of cooperation in the field of standard- setting, legal assistance, legal education of the population, as well as the continuation of efforts to create an online platform for the exchange of legal information, taking into account the provisions of national legislation.
Member States have supported the establishment of legislative linkages and the sharing of experiences in governance and development.
The Member States note with satisfaction the adoption of decisions granting the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Maldives, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar the status of SCO dialogue partner. They noted the signing of memoranda on granting the status of SCO dialogue partner with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar.
The Member States reaffirm the importance of continuing to improve the architecture of global economic governance and will consistently uphold and strengthen an open, transparent, equitable, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system
The Member States consider it important to utilize the potential of the countries of the region, international organizations and multilateral associations in order to create a space in Eurasia
The member states stressed the need for consistent implementation of the SCO Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme and its Action Plan.
The member states note the importance of continuing the practice of holding meetings of the SCO Consortium of Economic Think Tanks and the SCO Economic Forum.
The Member States advocate strengthening the potential of technoparks, joining efforts to develop the innovation ecosystem, conducting joint research and development, launching new digital projects in the SCO region, paying special attention to the implementation of the Concept on the creation of the SCO Member States Technoparks Pool of 2021.
The Member States noted that the creative economy could become one of the components of developing the SCO's innovative potential.
The Member States will continue to strengthen inter-regional cooperation by implementing the Inter-regional Cooperation Development Program,
Member States approved the Framework for Cooperation in Trade in Services and the Joint Action Plan to Develop Intra-regional Trade in the SCO Region.
They noted the adoption by the interested SCO member states of the Road Map on Increasing the Share of National Currencies in Mutual Settlements and called for expansion of this practice.
In order to promote economic growth in the SCO Member states by creating an efficient and competitive transport and technological infrastructure, the Programme for Infrastructure Development of the SCO Member States was adopted.
Member States advocate the further development of modern logistics centres
They note the importance of jointly exploring ways to expand regional electricity interconnectivity in the SCO member states.
Member States, taking into account a number of challenges facing the development of agriculture within the production cycle, advocate the introduction of modern technologies, active cooperation in the field of food security, prevention and control of transboundary epizootic diseases.
The SCO Member States, stressing the importance of further implementation of the Agreement between the governments of the SCO member states on cooperation in disaster management assistance
The Member States note the importance of further strengthening cooperation in education within the SCO, expanding inter-university cooperation, holding forums of rectors, scientific conferences and symposia, and developing the activities of the SCO University.
The Member States note the importance of further development of scientific and technological cooperation in the SCO space, express their willingness to conduct joint scientific research, exchange of experience between scientists and scientific organizations within the SCO to find new sources of economic growth and solutions to overcome common social challenges.
The Member States advocate enhancing cooperation on youth on the basis of implementation of the provisions of the 2018 SCO Heads of State's Joint Address to Youth and Programme of Action for its implementation, and the 2021 Agreement between the competent authorities of the SCO member states on cooperation in the field of youth work.
Member States, noting the importance of actively supporting women's participation in political, economic, public, social and other spheres of activity
In order to further strengthen mutual understanding and friendship the Member States consider it important to effectively implement the intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in Culture
In order to support the tourism industry and enhance the tourism attractiveness of the SCO cities and regions, the member states agreed to declare 2023 the SCO Tourism Year.
In view of the importance of preserving the ecological balance in the SCO region and restoring biodiversity, ensuring favourable conditions for the well- being of people and sustainable development, the SCO member states emphasise the need to implement in practice the Action Plan to Implement the 2022-2024 Concept of Cooperation among the SCO Member States in the Field of Environmental Protection.
The Member States, supporting the proposal of the Republic of Tajikistan to declare 2025 as the International Year for the Preservation of Glaciers, note the initiative to establish an International Fund for the Protection of Glaciers through the adoption of a UN General Assembly Resolution.
Member States noted initiatives to adopt UN General Assembly resolutions declaring an "International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education" and a "Decade of Action for Mountain Development" in 2023-2027 (Kyrgyz Republic) as well as an "International Year of Mobilizing Volunteers for Development" (Republic of Kazakhstan).
Member States underlined the importance of further development of interaction with UN, with interested states and structures in solving the problem of Aral Sea associated with the drying of its basin on large-scale.
They welcome the "Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity" put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, aimed at ensuring peace and stability, wider international cooperation and promoting sustainable human development.
The presidency of the SCO for the forthcoming period passes to the Republic of India. The next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be held in 2023 in the Republic of India.