September 1, 2026
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
In his address, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov and the people of Kyrgyzstan for their traditionally warm hospitality and the high standard of organisation of the event.
“It is symbolic that our meeting is taking place during the celebrations marking the historic anniversaries of two close and fraternal states – the 35th anniversaries of the independence of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my esteemed colleagues, Sadyr Nurgожoevich Japarov and Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, on these momentous occasions. I wish the brotherly peoples prosperity, well-being and continued success,” the President of Kazakhstan said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that over the past quarter-century, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has come a long way – from the “Shanghai Five” to a major international organisation spanning much of Eurasia and bringing together nearly half of the world’s population.
“The SCO represents a unique community of countries that differ in many respects but are united in spirit, putting into practice the principles of non-interference, respect for sovereignty, mutual trust, openness and cooperation. Today, it is a truly successful, influential and highly relevant international organisation.
“At the same time, the world in which our Organisation was created has changed significantly. We are witnessing the emergence of a new architecture of international relations. Consolidation is giving way to fragmentation; the drive for cooperation is being replaced by geopolitical rivalry; and the search for a balance of interests is giving way to widening fault lines. The level of mutual trust is declining, without which even the most sophisticated international institutions gradually lose their ability to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
“Against this backdrop, the very nature of our Organisation assumes particular importance. The SCO operates outside the logic of military and political blocs and is not directed against any state. It is based on an entirely different political philosophy – the ‘Shanghai Spirit’, rooted in the idea of working together for the sake of progress. Our primary goal is to build a strong and prosperous SCO community,” the Head of State stated.
The President particularly highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
“Kazakhstan highly appreciates the substantive work carried out by our Kyrgyz friends and partners to strengthen the Organisation’s unity and unlock its multifaceted potential. I am confident that the outcomes of today’s meeting will contribute to further enhancing the SCO’s international standing, increasing the effectiveness of its activities and shaping clear strategic priorities amid a changing global environment,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised.
Taking into account the results achieved, the Head of State outlined several key areas of particular importance to all ten SCO member states.
Strengthening Security Cooperation and Mutual Trust
“Strengthening mutual trust and cooperation in the field of security is of fundamental importance. The SCO brings together some of the largest states in Eurasia, whose positions will significantly influence the emerging contours of a multipolar world order. This places a special responsibility on our Organisation.
“We consider it timely to convene an SCO Ministerial Conference on Strategic Stability and Confidence-Building Measures on the Eurasian continent. Its agenda could include measures to reduce military risks, prevent a new arms race and avert dangerous incidents.
“Of particular concern is the fact that the consequences of armed conflicts are already extending beyond immediate areas of hostilities, affecting international markets, commercial shipping, and the resilience of energy and transport links. This has significantly increased the risk of crises spreading across borders.
“At the same time, traditional challenges remain acute. Combating the ‘three forces of evil’ – terrorism, extremism and separatism – remains a priority of our cooperation. These threats are becoming increasingly intertwined with transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, illicit arms trade and cyber threats.
“Kazakhstan supports the objectives and tasks of the planned SCO Universal Centre for Countering Security Challenges and Threats, as well as the SCO Anti-Drug Centre. Their activities will bring coordination among the competent authorities of our countries to a qualitatively new level and enhance the effectiveness of our joint efforts in this area,” the President noted.
Expanding Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation is of strategic importance. He noted that, through joint efforts, trade among SCO member states is steadily approaching US$1 trillion.
“However, in our view, the level of economic interconnectedness does not yet fully correspond to the opportunities available to us. It is important to make the fullest possible use of the resource, industrial and technological potential of SCO member states, create new growth points and establish sustainable business ties.
“Kazakhstan advocates creating a broad SCO trade and investment space with minimal barriers, digital procedures and well-developed transport and logistics connectivity.
“We believe it is important to move from agreements to concrete initiatives. We propose introducing a mechanism of pilot industrial consortia that would enable states to implement projects as they become ready, without waiting for all participants to join. Successful initiatives could subsequently be scaled up across the Organisation,” the Head of State said.
According to the President, another important step could be the establishment of SCO cross-border trade zones based on existing border cooperation centres.
“This would allow us to test simplified trade procedures, digital processes and modern mechanisms for mutual settlements.
“Another priority is the creation of a comprehensive investment framework. Kazakhstan supports China’s initiative to establish an SCO Development Bank. We believe that the bank’s resources should be directed primarily towards infrastructure, technological and industrial projects.
“If there is consensus among the member states, Kazakhstan could host this institution and its headquarters,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
Developing Eurasia’s Transport and Logistics Network
The Head of State also proposed accelerating the development of a modern transport and logistics framework across Eurasia. In his view, the geographical connectivity of SCO member states is a strategic advantage of the Organisation.
“Kazakhstan attaches great importance to aligning the Belt and Road Initiative, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the North–South Corridor, as well as emerging trade routes between Central and South Asia.
“Kazakhstan stands ready to promote transport initiatives across the entire SCO space. We support the digitalisation of customs procedures, mutual recognition of electronic documents, the use of ‘green corridors’ and other modern mechanisms.
“An effective solution could be the establishment of a Unified SCO Digital Transit Platform to ensure seamless tracking and facilitation of cargo from the point of origin to the final recipient.
“We propose developing and adopting an SCO Transport Connectivity Strategy through 2035,” the President of Kazakhstan emphasised.
Advancing Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies
Another priority highlighted in the President’s address was the emergence of a new technological paradigm. He noted that the rapid development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies requires SCO countries not only to adapt to ongoing changes, but also to take proactive measures.
“With their considerable scientific and innovation potential, SCO states could accelerate the transition from sharing experience to jointly developing technologies and strengthening capabilities, while consistently building our own artificial intelligence ecosystem.
“Kazakhstan advocates expanding international cooperation in this field. This year, our country became one of the founding members of the World Organisation for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, established at China’s initiative.
“Therefore, we believe it would be appropriate to establish, under the auspices of the SCO, a Network of Artificial Intelligence Centres involving leading universities, research institutions and technology companies from the member states,” the Head of State continued.
Reforming the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
The President also highlighted the relevance of reforming the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and proposed assigning this work to the foreign ministries of the member states.
“In conclusion, I would like to once again reaffirm Kazakhstan’s readiness to make every effort to bring our multifaceted partnership within the SCO to a qualitatively new level.
“There is no doubt that, through mutual trust and solidarity, we will achieve even greater progress. Kazakhstan is ready to walk this path together with you,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded.
The meeting was also addressed by President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, President of China Xi Jinping, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.