On April 28, 2026, the Meeting of Defence Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States was held in Bishkek under the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The meeting was attended by the heads of defence agencies of SCO member states, the SCO Secretary-General, and the Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
During the meeting the parties conducted a thorough exchange of views on pressing issues of regional and international security noting persistent challenges and threats including international terrorism, extremism, transnational crime as well as new risks in the field of information and cybersecurity.
The Ministers emphasized the importance of further strengthening trust and mutual understanding among the armed forces of the member states, enhancing practical cooperation including the conduct of joint exercises, exchange of experience and the development of military cooperation mechanisms within the SCO.
In his address the SCO Secretary-General noted the significance of consolidating the efforts of member states in the field of security, coordinating the activities of defence agencies, and enhancing the effectiveness of joint measures to counter contemporary challenges and threats.