The 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (hereinafter the SCO or the Organisation) member states was held on 30 November 2020 via videoconference. It was attended by Vice President of the Republic of India M. Venkaiah Naidu; Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin; Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang; Acting Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Artem Novikov; Member of the National Assembly, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Andleeb Abbas; Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin; Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda; and Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov.
The meeting was also attended by SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Jumakhon Giyosov, Chairman of the Board of the SCO Business Council Sergei Katyrin and Chairman of the Council of the SCO Interbank Association in 2019-2020 Igor Shuvalov.
Representatives of the SCO observer states also took part in the meeting: First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh; Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, First Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri; and Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Yangugiin Sodbaatar. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov attended as a guest of the presiding party.
The meeting was chaired by Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu.
The heads of delegations considered the state and prospects for economic development in the world and the region in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere. They discussed priority measures to promote trade, economic and humanitarian ties in the interests of the peoples of the SCO member states.
The heads of delegations reaffirmed the general commitment of the SCO member states to actively implement the decisions of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting held on 10 November 2020 via videoconference and to support Tajikistan's 2020-2021 chairmanship of the SCO.
The heads of delegations noted that the shared Victory in the Second World War achieved by all peace-loving states and peoples and the creation of the United Nations in 1945 led to the formation of a reliable system of international relations that ensures the peaceful, secure and stable development of humankind. Marking the 75th anniversary of those historic events, the SCO member states promote unifying the international community in the search for responsible and inclusive solutions to all global challenges.
Taking into account all the member states' views, the heads of delegations reaffirmed the urgency of the initiatives to promote cooperation in building a new type of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as to work out a common vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
The heads of delegations acknowledged that humankind is facing unprecedented challenges in all spheres and that these challenges are growing inexorably due to the continued proliferation of the coronavirus infection (COVID-19). There is high turbulence in global politics and the economy, and the process of economic globalisation is being hindered by a growing number of unilateral and protectionist measures, instability on financial markets and other risks to international trade.
The heads of delegations noted the initiative of the Republic of Tajikistan for drafting a Plan of Priority Practical Measures for 2021-2022 to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on socioeconomic, financial and food security in the region.
The heads of delegations emphasised the SCO member states' views on the need to promote common human-focused plans for global prosperity and cooperation amid the pandemic, to freely and openly share the advantages of medical research and innovations, and to develop adaptive, compassionate and humane healthcare systems. To be able to address emerging economic problems, especially the problems of the economically vulnerable members of society, they should promote new crisis management approaches and procedures, as well as strengthen and improve the operation of the World Health Organisation and other intergovernmental institutions.
The heads of delegations emphasised that the SCO had become established as an influential and responsible member of the modern system of international relations and an effective platform for constructive cooperation in the interests of strengthening multilateralism and the primacy of international law, first of all the UN Charter, as well as promoting equal, mutual, indivisible, comprehensive and reliable security and sustainable socioeconomic development.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of strengthening cooperation in the interests of working together to support and develop a transparent, open, inclusive, fair and non-discriminatory multilateral trade system based on the principles and rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), as well as to promote an open global economy.
The heads of delegations highlighted the importance of reforming the WTO, including by improving its main functions in the spheres of negotiations, monitoring and dispute settlement. They are convinced that the WTO reform must leave intact its main values and fundamental principles.
The heads of delegations believe it is important to ensure the gradual implementation of the 2021-2025 Action Plan for the Implementation the SCO Development Strategy until 2025, and the List of Measures to Promote Project Activities within the SCO in 2017-2021.
The heads of delegations, guided by the Joint Statement of the Heads of SCO Member States on Trade Facilitation (Qingdao, 10 June 2018), called for continued efforts to coordinate approaches to trade facilitation in the region.
The heads of delegations pointed out that one of the SCO's priorities was to improve the people's well-being and standard of living. In this context, they believe that it is vital to continue working consistently towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening cooperation in trade, manufacturing, energy, industry, transport, investment, finance, agriculture, customs, telecommunications, healthcare and other spheres of mutual interest.
The heads of delegations noted the increasing importance of exchanging the experience of drafting and implementing national development strategies, digital economy programmes and innovative technology, including in order to close the technological and digital gap existing between them, stimulate the economic growth and enhance the economic competitiveness of the SCO member states, as well as create a fair and equitable investment and business environment.
Reaffirming their support for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan highlighted the ongoing work on the joint implementation of this project, including efforts to bridge the development of the Eurasian Economic Union and the BRI.
The heads of delegations reaffirmed the SCO member states' shared approach of using the potential of the region's countries, international organisations and multilateral associations in the interests of forming a Eurasian continuum for broad, open, mutually beneficial and equitable interaction in compliance with international law, primarily the principles of equality, mutual respect and respect for national interests. In this regard, Russia's initiative to create a Greater Eurasian Partnership bringing together the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as other interested states and multilateral associations was noted.
The heads of delegations called for a further deepening of cooperation between the SCO member states in creating favourable conditions for expanding mutual investments by improving the investment and business climate, as well as in developing e-commerce. They also agreed to jointly develop targeted cooperation plans.
They consider it important to expand cooperation in trade in services and to draft a corresponding document.
The heads of delegations approved the results of the 19th Meeting of Ministers of the SCO Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities held via videoconference and chaired by the Republic of India on 28 October 2020, including the agreements reached on the COVID-19 response and relief effort; on supporting the multilateral trade system; on cooperation in micro, small and medium-sized business; on the development of remote and rural areas; and on intellectual property. They agreed on the importance of ensuring compliance with the approved at the meeting of the Council of Heads of Government action plan for the implementation of the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation adopted on 2 November 2019 in Tashkent for the sake of ensuring sustainable and stable development in the SCO region based on mutual benefit and equality.
The heads of delegations supported further strengthening the SCO's role in meeting challenges such as food security, developing environmentally friendly and organic production, digitalising agriculture and introducing advanced technologies in this area. In this regard, they stressed the need for consistent implementation of the Agreement Between the Governments of the Member States on Cooperation in Agriculture (Tashkent, 11 June 2010) and the SCO Cooperation Programme on Food Security (Dushanbe, 12 October 2018), and also called for an expeditious development and adoption of the Concept of the SCO member states' cooperation in smart agriculture and the introduction of agricultural innovations.
The heads of delegations praised the outcome of the Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the SCO Member States (21 October 2020 via videoconference), aimed at further deepening cooperation in agriculture.
Underscoring the urgency and need for cooperation in economic development and integration of remote areas, the heads of delegations stressed the importance of the practical implementation of the Concept of Cooperation of the SCO Member States on the Development of Remote and Rural Areas in the Digital Age (10 November 2020).
They called for continued work on filling the databank of best solutions for the development of remote and rural areas in the SCO member states (Action Plan).
The heads of delegations noted the proposal of the Republic of Tajikistan to hold a joint meeting on the COVID-19 response and relief effort, including in agriculture and food security, with the participation of the heads of relevant ministries and agencies from the SCO member states.
The heads of delegations emphasised the importance of interaction between the SCO member states' research and analysis centres on economic matters for the purpose of studying and comprehensive analysis of the factors that can influence economic cooperation within the SCO framework, with due regard for global and regional processes.
In this context, the heads of delegations mentioned the first meeting of the SCO Consortium of Economic Analysis Centres held by India (20-21 August 2020, via videoconference). They expressed the hope that the functioning of the Consortium in keeping with the approved Regulations (Tashkent, 2 November 2019) would help to promote coordinated approaches to economic cooperation within the SCO framework and to map out promising spheres for its further expansion and deepening.
The heads of delegations expressed the conviction that industry-related meetings and working groups are effective instruments for promoting trade and economic interaction within the SCO framework. Noting the importance of the proposals to create a Special Working Group on Innovation and Startups (Republic of India), a mechanism in the form of a meeting of heads of the SCO member states' bodies on fighting economic crime (Kyrgyz Republic) and a Special Working Group on Poverty Alleviation (Islamic Republic of Pakistan), the heads of delegations expressed the belief that they should be discussed in accordance with the established procedure.
The heads of delegations also noted the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan to hold an International Conference on Poverty Alleviation in 2021.
They pointed out the importance of the SCO Startup Forum, held by the Republic of India (27 October 2020, via videoconference), for promoting youth entrepreneurship and cooperation in the field of innovations in the SCO member states. While advocating the further development of interaction in this sphere, the heads of delegations mentioned the intention of the People's Republic of China to organise a youth innovation and startup competition in the SCO region.
The heads of delegations expressed support for the decisions adopted at the Meeting of SCO Health Ministers (22 July 2020, via videoconference), including the Overview of the Best Practices of the SCO Member States to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the tense sanitary and epidemiological situation, they called for the consistent implementation of the Basic Action Plan for the development of cooperation of the SCO Member States in healthcare for 2019-2021 (Bishkek, 14 June 2019).
Speaking out against the social stigma associated with the coronavirus infection, the heads of delegations reaffirmed the SCO member states' commitment to cooperation in the spheres of sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of the people, prevention and treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases, sanitary and epidemiological emergency response, overcoming the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing the marketing of counterfeit medications, and developing medical tourism.
The heads of delegations welcomed the outcome of a regular Meeting of the Heads of SCO Member States' Services in Charge of Ensuring Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing (Moscow, 16 December 2019) and their consultations (17 June 2020, via videoconference).
The heads of delegations of the interested member states emphasised the importance of a consistent implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Actions of the SCO Member States to counter threats of epidemics in the region, approved at a Meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council on 10 November 2020.
They pointed out the initiative of the Republic of India on establishing an expert group on traditional/folk medicine and spoke up in favour of discussing it in accordance with the established procedure.
The heads of delegations mentioned some countries' positive experience of using traditional/folk medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 and the SCO Traditional Medicine Forum.
The heads of delegations called for the further development of cooperation between the SCO member states' regions and emphasised the importance of an effective implementation of the Programme for the Development of Interregional Cooperation of the SCO Member States (Bishkek, 14 June 2019). In this context, they praised the outcome of the First SCO Member States' Heads of Regions Forum held at the initiative of the Chelyabinsk Region of the Russian Federation (29 October 2020, via videoconference).
The heads of delegations noted the initiative by the People's Republic of China to build the China-SCO local economic cooperation demonstration zone in Qingdao.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of supporting small and medium-sized businesses and implementing the inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Cooperation within the SCO in the field of micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
The heads of delegations emphasised the need to promote and expand cooperation among SCO member states on infrastructure connectivity and upgrading the transport infrastructure, introducing promising innovations and technological solutions in the transport sector, facilitating the digital transition, including based on satellite navigation and developing multimodal transport and logistics hubs.
The heads of delegations welcomed the outcomes of the 8th Meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the SCO Member States (28 October 2020, via videoconference), and noted the initiative by the Russian Federation to draft and sign a Memorandum of Cooperation to ensure the stable operation of transport in cross-border emergencies.
The heads of delegations emphasised the need to consistently implement the International Road Transport Facilitation Agreement between the governments of the SCO member states (Dushanbe, 12 September 2014). In this context, they praised the outcomes of the Joint Commission for International Road Transport Facilitation (12 and 13 October 2020, via videoconference).
The heads of delegations noted the initiatives by the Republic of Uzbekistan to draft a strategy for cooperation between SCO member states in promoting transport connectivity and to establish a Regional Centre for the Development of Transport and Communications Connectivity in Central Asia under UN auspices.
The heads of delegations emphasised the importance of stronger global energy security and ensuring access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy. They supported further efforts to promote energy cooperation and carry out measures for better efficiency and eco-friendly use of all types of energy, including traditional, alternative and renewable sources of energy, by introducing state-of-the-art technology and transitioning to a clean, energy-efficient economy, as well as developing the regional energy infrastructure.
The heads of delegations noted the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan to develop the SCO Green Belt Programme to facilitate the broad adoption of resource-saving, environmentally friendly technology.
The heads of delegations reaffirmed the commitment by the member states to carry out more transactions in national currencies and increase their share in mutual settlements between the interested SCO member states. They found it expedient to continue working on measures to address this matter, including by establishing an expert group.
The heads of delegations supported further consultations on establishing the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Development Fund (Special Account).
The heads of delegations noted the proposal by the Republic of Tajikistan to hold a meeting of the SCO finance ministers and central (national) bank governors.
The heads of delegations praised the meaningful contribution by the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Consortium to facilitating business and financial ties between the member states on projects in the spheres of finance, high technology, transport and communications infrastructure, energy and investment in the region. They emphasised the outcomes of the SCO Business Forum, held by the SCO Business Council (3-6 November 2020, via videoconference) and the SCO Business Conclave organised by the Republic of India (23 November, 2020, held via videoconference) for delivering better support and promoting multilateral cooperation on the SCO's micro, small and medium-sized businesses. They noted the importance of the Roadmap on Overcoming the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the SCO Economies drawn up by the SCO Interbank Consortium, as well as the Common Approaches to using national currencies in mutual settlements between the interested SCO member states (30 October 2020, via videoconference).
The heads of delegations pointed out the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan for holding an economic forum to promote and stimulate business contacts in the SCO region and its readiness to submit a draft concept for such a forum.
The heads of delegations, noting the need to give priority attention to overcoming the socioeconomic impact of the digital divide between the SCO member states, called for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, exchanging experience in the digital economy, and supporting the development of digital technology based on the principles of fair competition, and spoke out against discriminatory measures, taken under any pretext, which hinder the development of the digital economy and communications technology.
They noted the importance of implementing the Concept for Cooperation between the SCO Member States in the Sphere of Digitalisation and Information and Communication Technology (Bishkek, 14 June 2019), the Statement of the SCO Heads of State Council on Cooperation in the Digital Economy (10 November 2020) and the initiatives of the Republic of Kazakhstan for an SCO Technoparks Pool, as well as promoting dialogue within the SCO Special Working Group for Information and Telecommunications Technology.
The heads of delegations pointed out the proposal of the Republic of Uzbekistan to establish a mechanism for facilitating interaction between the heads of agencies in charge of promoting information technology.
The heads of delegations called for strengthening cooperation in science and technology and for continued efforts in this sphere, in particular, to implement scientific and technological achievements in order to create new sources of socioeconomic growth.
The heads of delegations emphasised the importance of cooperation under practical projects in the sphere of scientific and technical innovation and research, as well as new and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. In this context, they mentioned the outcome of the Conference of the SCO Heads of Ministries and Agencies of Science and Technology (Moscow, 21 November 2019) and the first SCO Young Scientists Conclave organised by the Republic of India (24-28 November 2020, via videoconference), as well as called for coordinating the establishment of the SCO Technology Transfer Centre in Qingdao, China.
The heads of delegations welcomed the outcome of the 15th meeting of the SCO Forum (29 September 2020, via videoconference) and pointed out its further development as a public advisory and expert mechanism.
The heads of delegations emphasised the importance of the consistent implementation of the Action Plan Action Plan for the implementation of the Concept of Cooperation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Member States in Environmental Protection for 2019-2021 (Bishkek, 14 June 2019), the programme for developing the Environmental Wellbeing of Cities in the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 2 November 2019) and the results of the meeting of the heads of ministries and agencies of the SCO states in charge of environmental protection (Moscow, 27 September 2019).
The heads of delegations expressed support for the further invigoration of the exchange of experience and current information on environmental protection and on the response to climate change, and a joint search for ways of conserving and restoring bio diversity.
They noted the initiative by the Republic of Tajikistan to establish an international fund for the protection of glaciers and that of the Republic of Kazakhstan to create a registry of environmental problems in the SCO space.
The heads of delegations expressed support for continued active cooperation regarding customs, including in connection with the Special Working Group on Customs Cooperation of the SCO Member States. They emphasised the importance of implementing the memorandum of the customs services of the SCO member-states on the mutual integration of national transit systems (Tashkent, 2 November 2019).
They also supported the continued implementation of the agreement between the governments of the SCO countries on cooperation in culture (Bishkek, 16 August 2007). In this context, they noted the outcome of the Meeting of the Ministers of Culture of the SCO Member States (10 September 2020, via videoconference).
Proceeding from the importance of expanding cultural ties, holding joint events and promoting understanding among the SCO member-countries, as well as preserving the region's cultural, historical and natural heritage, the heads of delegations consider it necessary for the ministries of culture of the SCO states and the SCO Secretariat to study practical issues related to the holding of the Year of Culture in 2021 in view of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the SCO.
The heads of delegations noted the opening of the SCO digital exhibition devoted to the common Buddhist heritage in New Delhi on 30 November 2020 and the Republic of India's initiative to conduct a national cuisine festival of the SCO countries.
The heads of delegations pointed out the initiatives by the Republic of Tajikistan to hold an arts festival (gala concert) as part of the SCO Summit, a SCO Talents youth festival, a festival of fiction and TV films of the SCO members, and to make a joint documentary about the SCO in connection with its 20th anniversary.
Noting the importance of physical fitness and sports as an effective factor in promoting friendship and cooperation between nations, the heads of delegations emphasised the need for the effective implementation of the agreement between the authorised bodies of the SCO countries on cooperation in physical fitness and sports (Bishkek, 14 June 2019). They expressed support for looking into the possibility of creating a mechanism for meetings between the heads of the ministries and agencies in charge of physical fitness and sports in the SCO member countries.
The heads of delegations believe that the 2022 winter Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing will help promote friendship, understanding and harmony among nations.
They noted the proposal of the Republic of Tajikistan to hold SCO Games sports competitions.
Admitting the need to expand cooperation in the mass media, the heads of delegations emphasised the importance of implementing the agreement between the governments of the SCO members on cooperation in this area (Bishkek, 14 June 2019).
The heads of delegations called for deepening educational cooperation within the SCO under the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Education (Shanghai, 15 June 2006), in particular, by expanding scientific and academic exchanges and joint training of highly qualified personnel, as well as implementing joint research projects. The importance of the further development of the SCO University was emphasised, including with due account of the results of the Coordinating Council meeting (30 June 2020, via videoconference).
The heads of delegations noted the importance of consistent implementation of the Joint Appeal of the Heads of the SCO Member States to Young People and the Action Programme to implement it (Qingdao, 10 June 2018) by creating the right conditions for modern education, training and advanced training of young people, their broader involvement in entrepreneurial activity and innovative projects.
The heads of delegations underscored the special place of the SCO Youth Council in achieving these goals. They welcomed the results of the regular SCO Youth Council meeting (29-31 October 2020, via videoconference), especially the decisions adopted on India and Pakistan's accession to the SCO Youth Council, as well as on the further expansion of volunteering and cooperation in online learning projects in in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The heads of delegations noted Tajikistan's intention to host the SCO Women's Forum in 2021.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of cooperation in emergency prevention and relief efforts, conducting joint exercises, setting up information and data exchange on emergencies or the risk thereof, as well as exchange of experience in this area. They also praised the results of the meeting of Heads of the SCO Emergency Prevention and Relief Agencies, and the preceding command post exercises, held on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi, and approved their continued holding.
The heads of delegations welcomed the results of the Meeting of the Tourism Administrations Heads of the SCO Member States (22 May 2020, via videoconference), including the adoption of the Joint Action Plan to Implement the Programme for the Development of Cooperation among the SCO Member States in the Tourism Sector for 2021-2022. They agreed on the importance of implementing the Programme in order to provide mutual assistance and support in addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry in the SCO member states.
The heads of delegations noted Tajikistan's intention to organise the SCO Tourism Forum in 2021.
The heads of delegations underscored the importance of promoting the historical and cultural heritage of the SCO member states and developing the tourism potential of their cities and regions. They welcomed the Eight Wonders of the SCO, a series of events implemented by the SCO Secretariat aimed at demonstrating the region's cultural diversity and lending an impetus to the expansion of tourism cooperation.
The heads of delegations consider it important to implement the initiative to introduce the practice of declaring one of the cities in the presiding member state the Tourism and Cultural Capital of the SCO.
The heads of delegations reaffirmed the relevance of people's diplomacy tools for strengthening mutual understanding and cultural and humanitarian ties within the SCO. In particular, they praised the activities of China's SCO Committee on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation and the SCO Centre for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan. The decision to establish the SCO Cultural and Integration Centre in Bishkek adopted by the SCO Council of Heads of State on 10 November 2020 was also an important step on this track.
The heads of delegations noted the importance of expanding the ethno-sport and ethnocultural movement around the world, including through the World Nomad Games project.
The heads of delegations support broader interaction with observer states and SCO dialogue partners, international and regional organisations, primarily on expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation. In this context, they note the importance of the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the SCO Secretariat and the Eurasian Economic Commission.
The heads of delegations approved the SCO Secretariat Report on the events and meetings held as part of the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation and the SCO budget for 2021, and also made several decisions related to the financial and organisational activities of the permanent bodies of the SCO.
The heads of delegations thanked the Indian delegation for the excellent organisation of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) meeting.
The next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) will be held in 2021 in the Republic of Kazakhstan.