On 5-6 June, 2024 Tashkent hosted the 19th SCO Forum organized by the Institute of Strategic and Inter-regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The Forum was attended by scientists, experts and diplomats from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Azerbaijan.
The forum is dedicated to the role of the SCO under new conditions; joining efforts for the sake of all-round security, stability and prosperity.
Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute for Strategic and Inter-regional Studies, Zhang Ming, SCO Secretary-General, Bobur Usmanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ruslan Mirzaev, Director of the RATS Executive Committee, and Kobulzhan Sobirov, Director of the Centre for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, addressed the Forum participants with welcoming remarks.
In his address the SCO Secretary-General dwelt in detail on the work done to enhance the political dialogue, maintain stability in the region, develop practical trade and economic relations and deepen humanitarian ties within the SCO. He also shared information on developing cooperation between the SCO and international organisations, SCO observers and dialogue partners.
Speaking about the role of the SCO Forum he underscored that the Organisation, in accordance with the decision of the heads of its member states to improve it, is passing through a new stage of its development, which means that the practical activities of the SCO are in even greater need of objective scientific and analytical support. In this context, it was noted that all the proposals made at the Forum will be taken into account in improving the SCO's activities.
During the two-day Forum meeting scientists and experts discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to raising the SCO efficiency at the current development stage.
The meeting also focused on further prospects of improving the SCO Forum activities.
Following the Forum deliberations the participants signed the Minutes of the 19th meeting of the SCO Forum, which reflect the common approaches of experts of the SCO member states to the issues on its agenda.