The meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Dushanbe on 13-14 July 2021 under the chairmanship of the Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, was a key part of the preparations for the 20th anniversary summit of the SCO, scheduled to take place in the capital of Tajikistan on 16-17 September 2021.
Before the event, the SCO foreign ministers met with Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan and Chairman of the SCO Heads of State Council.
During their meeting, the ministers discussed the results of the SCO's activities over the past 20 years, current international and regional issues and the further development of cooperation within the framework of the organisation.
During their meeting, the ministers discussed the results of the SCO's activities over the past 20 years, current international and regional issues and the further development of cooperation within the framework of the organisation.
They noted that the SCO, acting in accordance with the Shanghai Spirit, has become a globally recognised organisation of a new type and an influential participant in international relations.
The ministers agreed that the joint efforts to deal with all issues on the multifaceted SCO agenda helped to strengthen the organisation and its international prestige.
They pointed out that over 50 events had been held by SCO cooperation mechanisms, including seven ministerial meetings, in accordance with the Basic Action Plan.
In this context, they expressed readiness to work closely together in order to hold another 30 events, including 12 at the level of the heads of ministries and departments, before the September summit.
The heads of delegations emphasised the importance of complying with all the epidemiological requirements during preparations for the Heads of State Council meeting in Dushanbe.
The Tajik delegate noted that everyone involved in the preparations for the summit had been or were being vaccinated by decision of the Organising Committee.
The ministers pointed out that sustainable development in the SCO space depended on ensuring the necessary level of security. They signed a decision on submitting to the Dushanbe summit a renewed SCO Cooperation Programme for Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism in 2022-2024.
The SCO foreign ministers focused on the developments in Afghanistan, noting their deep concern about the potential worsening of the situation there following the withdrawal of the coalition forces.
The heads of delegations discussed the further strengthening of economic ties and adopted a framework plan of joint actions to overcome the negative socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The ministers have coordinated the first Regulations on the SCO Anthem, initiated by Tajikistan.
They also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
The ministers have coordinated the first Regulations on the SCO Anthem, initiated by Tajikistan.
When discussing the SCO's international standing, they highlighted its growing stature and cooperation with the UN and its special bodies. The ministers welcomed the adoption of a resolution on Cooperation between the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation during the 75th session of the UN General Assembly.
The council members exchanged views on expanding the composition of the group of SCO Dialogue Partners and adopted decisions on granting this status to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. These decisions are to be approved by the SCO Heads of State Council.
The ministers approved the report on the SCO Secretariat's activities during the past year and a draft report of the SCO Secretary-General on the organisation's performance during the reporting period.
In conclusion of their meeting, the ministers expressed confidence that its outcome would contribute to the further strengthening of good-neighbourliness, friendship, cohesion, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation among the SCO member states.