On May 28, 2026, in Cholpon-Ata, the Tourism and Cultural Capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Forum of Heads of Regions and Sister Cities of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States was convened under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan.
Delegates exchanged views on the topical issues related to the development of inter-regional cooperation, including the promotion of trade, economic, and investment ties, as well as strengthening friendly and trust-based relations among the regions of the "SCO community."
In the welcoming remarks to the participants and guests of the Forum, Kazybek Kochkonov, Counsellor of the SCO Secretariat, noted that the development of inter-regional ties helps expand the dynamically growing economic and humanitarian relations and enhances the exchange of experience in territorial development. Furthermore, the commitment of the Member States to stimulate regional cooperation for the promotion of spatial development was underscored.
It was highlighted that during this year, under Kyrgyzstan presidency, the SCO is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the Forum of Heads of Regions is being held for the fifth time.
The outcomes of the forum included the signing of a number of agreements between the regions of SCO Member States aimed at expanding inter-regional and inter-municipal cooperation.
The Forum of Heads of Regions serves as a broad dialogue platform to address issues related to the development of inter-regional cooperation among SCO countries.