Tashkent, (DNA) — The 18th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.Singh, Minister of Defense of the Republic of India, Ma Ming, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Li Keqiang, Prime Minister of the State Council of the people’s Republic of China, Abu Gaziyev, Prime Minister of the. Ahmed, Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of the Government of the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Razurzoda of the Republic of Tajikistan and Prime Minister Aripov of the Republic of Uzbekistan attended the meeting.
Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, presided over the meeting.
SCO Secretary-General Norov, Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-terrorist body, Giyosov, Chairman of the Council of the SCO industrialists Committee, Omur Kulov, rotating chairman of the SCO Council of Banks Confederation from 2018 to 2019, and Shuvalov, current Chairman of the SCO Council of Banks Confederation, attended the meeting.
On behalf of Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Rumas, Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Enkhtuvshin, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, and Jahangiri, first Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Guest of the host country, Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, As well as Ivanov, Vice Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, Milzoda, Executive Director of the CICA Secretariat, Sarkisyan, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Han Hongzhu, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations ESCAP, Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Rakhmanin and ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Denis attended the meeting.
In a friendly, constructive and pragmatic atmosphere, the heads of delegations extensively exchanged views on the current international and regional economic situation, discussed issues related to deepening economic, trade and cultural cooperation within the framework of the SCO, and reached the following consensus.
The heads of delegations stressed that the global political and economic situation was undergoing profound evolution and the urgency of establishing a multipolar world pattern that was fair and reasonable and in line with the common and respective interests of all countries had become increasingly prominent. The heads of state pointed out that on the basis of the norms of international law with the Charter of the United Nations as the core, it is very important to promote the building of a new type of international relations of mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, and to establish a common concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The heads of delegations pointed out that we should further deepen cooperation on jointly building an open world economy and continuously consolidate an open, inclusive, transparent, non-discriminatory and multilateral trading system based on the rules of the World Trade Organization. Oppose any form of unilateralism and protectionism in international and regional trade. The WTO is an important platform for all countries to discuss international trade issues, and all parties will abide by the basic principles and rules of the WTO. The heads stressed the urgency of reforming the WTO through the improvement of key functions such as negotiation, supervision and dispute settlement, in order to improve the efficiency of its work. To this end, the Heads noted the importance of the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Nursultan from 8 to 11 June 2020.
The heads of delegations stated that since the Council meeting of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO member States held in Dushanbe on 12 October 2018, a series of concrete results had been achieved in the economic and human fields of the Organization.
The heads of delegations expressed their willingness to actively implement the outcome of the meeting of Heads of State of the SCO member States held in Bishkek on 14 June 2019 and to support the work of the rotating SCO presidency of the Russian Federation from 2019 to 2020.
The heads of delegations held that connectivity in the fields of facilities, trade, finance, humanities, digital and energy should be further strengthened to build a broad, open, mutually beneficial, win-win and equal space for cooperation in the Eurasian region. Ensure reliable, safe and sustainable development.
The heads of delegations stressed that improving people’s livelihood and improving the living standards of the people is one of the top tasks of the SCO. We should continue to implement the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development and strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest, such as trade, production capacity, energy, transport, investment, finance, agriculture, customs and communications, and develop artificial intelligence technologies.
The heads of delegations supported cooperation in the industrial field and the development and adoption of relevant treaty legal documents within the framework of the SCO.
The heads of delegations supported the extensive exchange of experiences on the formulation and implementation of national development strategies and development plans, the promotion of innovative technologies, the development of the digital economy, the narrowing of the technological gap among countries, and the creation of good investment conditions in order to stimulate economic growth. Enhance the economic competitiveness of member countries.
The heads of delegations supported further deepening regional cooperation, optimizing the business environment, and creating good conditions for expanding mutual investment.
In accordance with the Joint statement of the Heads of State of SCO member States on Trade Facilitation issued in Qingdao on 10 June 2018, the Heads of State considered that regional trade facilitation solutions should be further developed.
The heads of delegations supported the strengthening of cooperation in the field of electronic commerce and the development of relevant regional cooperation plans.
The heads of delegations considered it important to expand cooperation in the area of trade in services and to develop relevant documents.
The heads of delegations affirmed the outcome of the 18th meeting of Ministers of economy and Trade of SCO member States, held in Tashkent on 26 September 2019. In order to further expand economic cooperation, improve the investment environment, and ensure equality, mutual benefit, and sustained and stable development in the SCO region, the heads of state approved a new edition of the outline for multilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation among SCO member States. It also stressed the need to develop a plan of activities for the implementation of the outline.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of the progressive implementation of the SCO Development Strategy to 2025 Plan of Action 2016-2020 and the list of measures taken by SCO to further promote project cooperation 2017-2021.
The heads of delegations were of the view that there was a need to improve the efficiency of sectoral and working group meetings within the framework of the SCO and to study the issue of new or reformed existing professional working groups in accordance with established procedures, In order to effectively implement the new edition of the outline for multilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation among SCO member States.
The heads of delegations supported the strengthening of local exchanges among SCO countries and stressed that the outline for Local Cooperation and Development of SCO member States, approved in Bishkek on 14 June 2019, should be effectively implemented. We welcome the holding of a forum of local leaders of SCO member states in Cheryabinsk in the first half of 2020, as well as China’s initiative to build a demonstration zone for China-SCO local economic and trade cooperation in Qingdao.
The heads of delegations reiterated the importance of supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and stressed that measures should be taken to effectively implement the Memorandum of understanding on promoting Cooperation among small and medium-sized Enterprises signed in Qingdao on 10 June 2018. The Heads welcomed the SCO and BRICS Regional SME Forum held in Ufa from 26 to 27 September 2019.
The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirm their support for the “Belt and Road Initiative” initiative of the people’s Republic of China, Highly appraising the outcome of the second “Belt and Road Initiative” International Cooperation Summit Forum held in Beijing from 25 to 27 April 2019, and attaching great importance to the joint commitment of all parties to the implementation of the initiative, We will promote the work done by “Belt and Road Initiative” in building docking with the Eurasian Economic Union (Eurasian Economic Union).
The heads of delegations stressed that the implementation of the multilateral initiatives of member States is of great significance and should further promote mutually beneficial cooperation in the region, promote economic growth, expand cooperation in the fields of transportation, energy and industry, and expand the scale of investment. Promote innovation and modern technology to ensure employment.
The heads of delegations pointed out that it was very important to continue to strengthen cooperation in the field of connectivity, encourage transport innovation and efficient technology application, develop multimodal transport logistics centres and all kinds of transportation, such as roads and railways, and build modern transport infrastructure. The heads of state supported the Russian side in holding a meeting of transport ministers of SCO member states in the first half of 2020 to discuss the above issues.
The heads of delegations supported the continued active work on the implementation of the Agreement on the Facilitation of International Road Transport among the member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization signed in Dushanbe on 12 September 2014, including the opening of the routes provided for in the Agreement in 2020.
The heads of delegations affirmed the outcome of the second meeting of heads of railway departments of SCO member States held in Nursultan on 19 September 2019 and stressed the urgency of the “concept of railway sector cooperation in SCO member States”.
The heads of delegations took note of Ukraine’s proposal to formulate a draft cooperation strategy for the development of transport connectivity among SCO member States.
The heads of delegations stressed the importance of maintaining global energy security and ensuring a reliable and stable modern energy supply. The Heads supported the continuation of cooperation in the field of energy and the adoption of measures to improve energy efficiency, the use of advanced technologies for the clean use of traditional, renewable and other energy sources, the realization of a clean and energy-saving economy, and the development of energy infrastructure in the region.
The heads of delegations stressed the importance of energy infrastructure such as existing and under construction hydropower facilities in the region for the achievement of sustainable development goals and were willing to strengthen cooperation in this area.
The heads of delegations supported deepening regional economic cooperation and ensuring sustainable economic and social development. The Heads noted the potential for deepening cooperation in key directions such as transport energy and trade within the framework of ESCAP.
The heads of delegations supported the further strengthening of practical cooperation in the financial field so as to create good conditions for the development of trade and investment cooperation. The parties will continue to seek a common position on the establishment of the SCO project financing guarantee mechanism, including a study on the establishment of the SCO Development Bank and the Development Fund (Special account).
The heads of delegations supported the further expansion of the use of local currencies for settlement in mutual trade and the increase in their share.
The heads of delegations pointed out that the SCO industrialists Committee and the Banking Consortium play an important role in deepening cooperation between the business and financial communities of member States and in developing business, trade, financial and investment cooperation in the region.
The heads of delegations spoke highly of the participation of the Indian Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation in the SCO Bank Consortium.
The heads of delegations welcomed Uzbekistan’s desire to submit the draft concept of the SCO Economic Forum to SCO member States for study in order to further strengthen business exchanges among countries.
The heads of delegations supported the further strengthening of the role of the SCO in ensuring food security, stabilizing the world food market, carrying out the production of green organic agricultural products, promoting agricultural digitization and popularizing advanced agricultural technologies. To this end, The Heads stressed the need to continue to implement the Agreement on Cooperation among the governments of the SCO member States in the Field of Agriculture, adopted in Tashkent on 11 June 2010, and the outline for Cooperation in Food Security among the SCO member States, signed in Dushanbe on 12 October 2018, Take note of China’s proposal to establish a SCO demonstration base for agro-technical training and exchange.
Noting the urgency and necessity of cooperation in the area of economic development and integration in remote areas, the heads of delegations supported the development of a “concept of cooperation among SCO member States for the development of remote and rural areas in the digital age” and its implementation plan as soon as possible.
The heads of delegations considered it necessary to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and exchange of experiences in the field of the digital economy, to support the development of digital technology in accordance with the principle of fair competition, and to oppose discriminatory practices under any pretext to impede the development of the digital economy and communications technology. To this end, the heads of State noted the importance of implementing the concept of Cooperation among SCO member States in the Field of Digitalization and ICT, adopted in Bishkek on 14 June 2019, Dialogue should be further pursued within the framework of the working Group on Modern Telecommunications and Communications Technologies in SCO member States.
The heads of delegations welcomed the outcome of the SCO Forum on Information Technology and Innovation and Development, held in Tashkent on 26 September 2019. The Heads of State took note of Ukraine’s proposal to establish a mechanism for regular meetings between heads of information technology authorities in SCO member States.
The heads of delegations supported the strengthening of cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation and considered that the efficiency of cooperation should be further improved and new points of economic growth should be sought. The heads of state pointed out that measures should be taken actively to promote cooperation in specific projects in the field of scientific and technological innovation research, such as artificial intelligence. To this end, the heads of State stressed the importance of the meeting of heads of science and technology departments of SCO member States to be held in Moscow on 21 November 2019.
The heads of delegations pointed out that cooperation among economic think tanks of SCO member states should be carried out to comprehensively analyze and judge the various factors affecting economic cooperation within the framework of the SCO in the light of the global and regional situation. The Heads welcomed the approval of the Constitution of the SCO Economic think Tank Union.
The heads of delegations stated that the SCO Forum was a mechanism of a consultative nature between the public and experts and that it was of great significance to further develop the Forum.
The heads of delegations spoke highly of the outcome of the meeting of Ministers of Environmental Protection of the SCO member States held in Moscow on 27 September 2019, It was stressed that the Plan of measures for the implementation of the concept of Environmental Cooperation among SCO member States 2019-2021, signed in Bishkek on 14 June 2019, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Urban Ecological well-being Development Plan, approved in Tashkent on 2 November 2019, should be implemented.
The heads of delegations took note of Uzbekistan’s initiative to develop the SCO Green Belt outline to widely promote modern energy-saving and eco-clean technologies in SCO member States.
The heads of delegations supported the continued active promotion of cooperation in the field of customs within the framework of the working Group on Customs Cooperation. The Heads welcomed the signing in Tashkent on 2 November 2019 of the Memorandum of understanding on Cooperation between the Customs of the SCO member States on the Integration of Transit Systems.
The heads of delegations supported the continued implementation of the midterm comprehensive report of the International decade of Action on Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028, adopted by the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, to promote the achievement of sustainable development goals in the field of water resources.
The heads of delegations supported the expansion of cultural exchanges, the joint organization of activities, the promotion of solidarity among the people of the SCO member States and the protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the region, especially along the Silk Road, We will continue to effectively implement the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation among the member States of the SCO signed in Bishkek on 16 August 2007. The heads of State welcomed the holding of the meeting of Ministers of Culture of the SCO member States in Moscow.
The heads of delegations made positive comments on the progress of cooperation in the field of health of the Organization and the implementation of the Plan of key measures for Cooperation in the Field of Health of SCO member States (2019-2021), signed in Bishkek on 14 June 2019.
The heads of delegations are willing to further discuss the health and epidemic prevention of residents in the region, the response to sudden health disasters, biosafety, prevention of the spread of counterfeit drugs, antibiotic resistance, prevention and control of infectious and non-communicable diseases, and public health. Medical rehabilitation tourism and other issues to carry out cooperation.
The heads of delegations took note of China’s initiative to organize the SCO Forum on traditional Medicine.
The heads of delegations stressed that sports is an important and effective way to deepen friendly cooperation among the people, and pointed out that the establishment of a meeting mechanism for heads of sports departments in SCO member States should be studied in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Effective implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Sport between the competent authorities of SCO member States signed in Bishkek on 14 June 2019.
Noting the successful holding of the Kunming International Marathon on 2 December 2018 and the Lake Issyk Marathon on 11 May 2019, the heads of delegations supported the regular organization of the above-mentioned events, Welcome to the next Kunming International Marathon on December 1, 2019.
The heads of delegations pointed out that cooperation in the field of media should be expanded and stressed the importance of implementing the Agreement on Intergovernmental Media Cooperation among SCO member States signed in Bishkek on 14 June 2019.
The heads of delegations supported the implementation of the Agreement on Educational Cooperation among the member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization signed in Shanghai on 15 June 2006, the expansion of academic and scientific research exchanges, the joint training of high-end talents and joint R & D cooperation.
The heads of delegations stressed that SCO universities should be further developed through the accession of relevant countries to the Agreement on the Establishment and Operation of SCO Universities.
The heads of delegations stressed that conditions should be created for young people from all countries to receive modern education, to participate in business and innovation projects, to realize their self-worth and to realize their own potential, Gradually implement the “message from the Heads of State of SCO member States to Youth” adopted on June 10, 2018 and its implementation outline. The SCO Youth Committee should play its own role in this regard.
In order to optimize the business environment and support youth start-up projects, heads of delegations supported the development of technology parks and business incubators in the region.
The heads of delegations took note of Uzbekistan’s initiative to develop a draft United Nations Convention on the Rights of Youth and wished to maintain coordination in that regard.
The heads of delegations supported the “simulated SCO” quiz for secondary school students and college students initiated by the SCO secretariat.
The heads of delegations pointed out the importance of cooperation and exchange of experiences in emergency relief, joint exercises in border areas and other aspects, and the exchange of cross-border emergency disaster risk data. The heads of State believe that observer States and dialogue partners should be promoted to participate in relevant practical cooperation mechanisms such as the meeting of heads of emergency relief departments of SCO member States.
The heads of delegations made positive comments on the outcome of the Seventh meeting of Heads of Emergency Relief Services in Border areas of SCO member States, held in Cheryabinsk from 17 to 20 September 2019.
The heads of delegations made positive comments on the Memorandum of understanding between the SCO Secretariat and the World Tourism Organization signed in Bishkek on 14 June 2019 and supported further cooperation with the World Tourism Organization. The heads of state advocated the continued implementation of the outline for the Development of Tourism Cooperation among SCO member States signed in Tashkent on 24 June 2016 and the implementation of Tourism Cooperation in SCO member States from 2019 to 2020 signed in Qingdao on 10 June 2018. Development Framework > Joint Plan of Action.
The heads of delegations stressed the importance of promoting the historical and cultural heritage of member States and fully tapping the tourism potential of the Organization’s regions and cities. To this end, the heads took note of Uzbekistan’s proposal to name a city under the rotating presidency of the SCO “the tourism and cultural capital of the SCO” each year.
The heads of delegations welcomed the “eight Wonders of the SCO” series of activities initiated by the SCO secretariat to create a unified tourism region and promote tourism cooperation.
The heads of delegations supported the continued strengthening of cooperation between the Silk Road Tourism University of Samarkand and relevant universities and institutions in SCO member States.
The heads of delegations stressed that non-governmental diplomacy is of great significance in deepening mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges among SCO member states. To this end, the heads took note of the work carried out by the China Shanghai Cooperation Organization good-neighborly Friendship and Cooperation Committee and the Uzbekistan Shanghai Cooperation Organization Civil diplomacy Center, And the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic on the SCO countries and the Silk Road Cultural Integration Centre.
The heads of delegations encouraged observer States and dialogue partners to seize the opportunity and actively participate in mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of the SCO. Notes the importance of attracting the participation of the SCO secretariat in the activities of existing cooperation mechanisms in accordance with the “Road Map for the SCO Secretariat to develop collaboration with Observer States and Dialogue Partners” signed in Bishkek on 22 May 2019.
The heads of delegations supported the expansion of cooperation between the Organization and other international and regional organizations, in particular institutions in the economic and human fields, and the signing of the Memorandum of understanding between the SCO Secretariat and the FAO Secretariat of the United Nations, We support cooperation between the SCO and the Eurasian Economic Union (Eurasian Economic Union) through the signing of relevant memorandums of understanding.
The heads of delegations believe that the grand celebration of the 75th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the second World War in 2020 will once again highlight the permanent and important significance of avoiding the recurrence of the tragedy of mass human casualties. The attempt to revive fascist ideology and the idea of xenophobia and intolerance must be resolutely opposed.
The heads of delegations approved the report of the SCO Secretariat on the implementation of the outline for multilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation among SCO member States and the SCO budget for 2020, It also signed a resolution on a series of financial and organizational issues in the permanent establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The heads of delegations expressed their gratitude to Ukraine for its warm reception and for the high-level organizational work of the Council meeting of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO member States.
The next meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO member States will be held in India in 2020.
