On the morning of July 4, 2024, President Xi Jinping attended the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at the Independence Palace in Astana, Kazakhstan. This significant summit, chaired by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, brought together leaders from across the SCO member states and beyond.
A Gathering of Leaders
The meeting saw the participation of several key figures: President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus, President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, and Acting President Mohammad Mokhber of Iran. Representatives from India and the Secretary-General of the SCO also joined the discussions.
Xi Jinping’s Address and Vision
President Xi Jinping praised Kazakhstan for its notable efforts during its tenure as the rotating presidency of the SCO, particularly in enhancing the operational mechanisms of the organization and fostering deeper cooperation. Xi welcomed Belarus’ first participation as a member state, marking a milestone in the SCO’s expansion.
Reflecting on the SCO’s origins, Xi noted that the organization was established in the wake of Cold War divisions, with a vision to pursue peaceful development and build a new model of international relations. He emphasized the importance of the “Shanghai Spirit,” a guiding principle of the SCO that embodies solidarity and mutual benefit.
Xi highlighted the SCO’s growth, with its membership expanding to 10 countries, and stressed the importance of maintaining this trajectory amid global changes. He called on member states to uphold security, advocate for inclusive development, and reinforce unity in the face of external interference and division.
Key Takeaways and Agreements
During the meeting, leaders from the SCO member states underscored the organization’s role in maintaining regional peace and security. They expressed a commitment to enhance cooperation in various sectors including trade, transportation, energy, finance, and technology. There was also a focus on strengthening people-to-people exchanges in education, culture, tourism, and youth.
Acknowledging the shifting global political and economic landscape, the leaders agreed on the need for a more representative, democratic, and equitable multipolar world system, with the United Nations playing a central role. They reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, opposing unilateral sanctions, and supporting international efforts for peace and development.
Declarations and Future Plans
The summit concluded with the signing of the Astana Declaration, which outlined the SCO’s commitment to justice, harmony, and development. The declaration included proposals for improving the SCO’s operational mechanisms and a series of resolutions on cooperation in energy, investment, and information security.
A notable outcome of the meeting was Belarus’ formal accession to the SCO. Additionally, China was designated to assume the rotating presidency for the 2024-2025 term.
With leaders like Cai Qi and Wang Yi in attendance, the meeting underscored the SCO’s commitment to its foundational principles and set the stage for continued cooperation and growth in the coming years.