Kyrgyzstan president meets SCO foreign ministers, stresses regional security

President Sadyr Жапаров of Kyrgyzstan met with foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Cholpon-A, Issyk-Kul region, on July 24. He stressed that Kyrgyzstan's current presidency coincides with the SCO's 25th anniversary, underscoring the organization's significance as a platform for dialogue and joint problem-solving.

"Terrorism, extremism, illicit drug trafficking, and transnational organized crime are also rapidly adapting to new conditions," Жапаров stated. "All this points to one thing: security today has political, economic, technological, environmental, and humanitarian dimensions. No state can cope with such a complex set of challenges alone. Therefore, the SCO must continue to be strengthened as a space of shared responsibility and coordinated action."

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Terrorism, extremism, illicit drug trafficking, and transnational organized crime are also rapidly adapting to new conditions. All this points to one thing: security today has political, economic, technological, environmental, and humanitarian dimensions. No state can cope with such a complex set of challenges alone. Therefore, the SCO must continue to be strengthened as a space of shared responsibility and coordinated action.

The president urged for the accelerated creation of a universal center to counter security threats, based at the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. He also proposed including a Center for Combating Transnational Organized Crime in Bishkek, calling it an important contribution by Kyrgyzstan to regional peace and security. Жапаров also touched upon the role of international law and the United Nations, noting Kyrgyzstan's responsibility as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.

He expressed confidence that the foreign ministers would have a productive discussion on political cooperation, security, and economic collaboration, setting the stage for the upcoming SCO summit in Bishkek. "It is important that following the Bishkek summit, we have clear guidelines for the development of our Organization for the coming years. Over 25 years, our Organization has accumulated significant experience," Жапаров said. He also focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation, developing transport routes, implementing joint investment projects, and strengthening interaction among SCO member states.

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It is important that following the Bishkek summit, we have clear guidelines for the development of our Organization for the coming years. Over 25 years, our Organization has accumulated significant experience.