Tokayev Urges Stronger SCO Cooperation at Bishkek Summit
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for stronger cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on security, trade, transport, investment and water at the Sept. 1 summit in Bishkek. He proposed an SCO ministerial conference on strategic stability and confidence-building measures in Eurasia. The organization marks 25 years of development as experts see it emerging as a key platform in the multipolar order.
Key Facts
- Tokayev spoke at the Sept. 1 SCO summit in Bishkek, describing the organization's evolution from the Shanghai Five into a major international body spanning much of Eurasia and representing almost half of the world's population.
- Tokayev proposed holding an SCO ministerial conference on strategic stability and confidence-building measures in Eurasia, with discussions potentially covering reducing military risks, preventing a new arms race, and avoiding dangerous incidents.
- Tokayev proposed establishing SCO cross-border trade zones based on existing border cooperation centers to test simplified trade procedures, digital processes and modern payment mechanisms.
- Prof. Dr. Zijad Bećirović, director of IFIMES in Ljubljana, said the SCO has evolved from a regional security mechanism into a broader platform addressing security, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and economic cooperation.
Security Cooperation
Tokayev called for stronger mutual trust and security cooperation, noting that the SCO brings together major Eurasian powers whose positions influence the emerging international order. He proposed an SCO ministerial conference on strategic stability and confidence-building measures in Eurasia. Discussions could cover reducing military risks, preventing a new arms race, and avoiding dangerous incidents. Tokayev said the consequences of armed conflicts are extending beyond immediate zones of hostilities, affecting international markets, commercial shipping, and the sustainability of energy and transport links.
Economic and Transport Cooperation
Economic and transport cooperation was another major theme of Tokayev's address. Tokayev proposed establishing SCO cross-border trade zones based on existing border cooperation centers. Such zones could test simplified trade procedures, digital processes and modern payment mechanisms.
Expert Assessment
Prof. Dr. Zijad Bećirović, director of IFIMES in Ljubljana, said the SCO's transformation reflects broader changes in the international system. He said the SCO has evolved from a regional security mechanism into a broader platform addressing security, trade, energy, investment, connectivity and economic cooperation. Bećirović added that the organization brings together major political, economic and demographic centers, making it one of the most significant institutional expressions of the emerging multipolar order.
1 source
Tokayev Urges Stronger SCO Cooperation at Bishkek Summit
