{"id":37469,"date":"2026-09-01T09:50:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T06:50:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=37469"},"modified":"2026-09-01T10:04:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T07:04:06","slug":"sco-leaders-gather-in-kyrgyzstan-for-annual-summit-as-bloc-marks-25-years-of-regional-cooperation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/sco-leaders-gather-in-kyrgyzstan-for-annual-summit-as-bloc-marks-25-years-of-regional-cooperation\/","title":{"rendered":"SCO leaders gather in Kyrgyzstan for annual summit as bloc marks 25 years of regional cooperation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>7 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member and partner states have gathered in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for a two-day summit focused on regional security, economic cooperation and the future development of the Eurasian organization as it marks its 25th anniversary.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 26th SCO Heads of State Summit is being held from August 31 to September 1, 2026, under the theme \u201c25 Years of SCO: Together for Peace, Development, and Sustainable Prosperity.\u201d Kyrgyzstan is hosting the summit as the organization\u2019s rotating chair for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The gathering includes the SCO\u2019s 10 member states, along with dialogue partners, observers, and representatives of international organizations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is attending at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and is scheduled to address the summit in its expanded format and hold bilateral meetings with participating leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The summit comes as the SCO seeks to deepen cooperation across a broad range of areas while giving its members a platform to discuss major international and regional developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Security and Regional Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Security remains a central part of the SCO\u2019s agenda, with members expected to discuss regional stability and cooperation against terrorism, separatism, extremism, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The expanded SCO Plus session will broaden the discussions beyond the organization\u2019s full membership. Participants are expected to exchange views on strengthening the role of the United Nations and international law, sustainable development and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"800\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Bishkek SCO agreement signed <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/cuKXCCtmwu\">pic.twitter.com\/cuKXCCtmwu<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/sidhant\/status\/2094670853686587429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 1, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The organization has increasingly become a forum for countries with different political and strategic interests to maintain dialogue and identify areas of common ground. Its members do not have identical positions on every international issue, but the SCO provides a framework for regular political engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The summit is also taking place against a backdrop of major international tensions and economic disruptions, increasing the importance of discussions on regional stability, trade and connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Xi and Putin Discuss Stronger Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a key bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit on August 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xi said China-Russia relations have maintained strong momentum and that, under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the foundation of bilateral ties would become stronger and their future brighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinese President Xi referred to Putin\u2019s state visit to China in May, when the two sides agreed on steps to promote higher-quality and higher-level development of bilateral relations and deepen cooperation across various sectors. He said the agreements were being implemented and had already produced substantive results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xi also said the international environment was becoming increasingly uncertain and unpredictable, while the desire of countries around the world for peace, development, cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes remained unchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said China was ready to work with Russia and other countries to help guide the development of the SCO, maintain its steady progress and strengthen efforts toward reform of global governance and an equal and orderly multipolar world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putin said China and Russia had continued to deepen their comprehensive strategic coordination and described their relationship as a model for relations between countries.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"800\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3 On August 31, President of Russia Vladimir Putin &amp; President of China Xi Jinping held a meeting in Bishkek.<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/hashtag\/RussiaChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#RussiaChina<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/rJeptZCWO6\">pic.twitter.com\/rJeptZCWO6<\/a><\/p>\u2014 MFA Russia \ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfa (@mfa_russia) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/mfa_russia\/status\/2094401039420010676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 31, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The Russian president said Moscow was ready to strengthen cooperation with China in trade, energy, industry, transportation, science and technology, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putin also highlighted the SCO\u2019s development as a regional cooperation platform and said Russia and China should strengthen coordination within the organization and play a guiding role. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Trade, Connectivity and Development<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Economic cooperation is another major focus of the Bishkek summit, with SCO members seeking to strengthen trade, transport and logistics links across Eurasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The organization is continuing discussions on the proposed SCO Development Bank. The institution has not yet become operational, but further discussions could advance work on its structure, financing and membership. A functioning development bank could eventually provide another source of financing for infrastructure and regional development projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Currency diversification is also part of the wider economic agenda. SCO members have discussed gradually increasing the use of national currencies in settlements between interested countries, although the organization has not created a common payment system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transport connectivity is expected to remain important as countries seek to expand cross-border trade and strengthen links between Central Asia, China, Russia and South Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is one of the major infrastructure projects linked to these efforts. Progress on financing and cross-border arrangements could provide a significant economic outcome for Kyrgyzstan and strengthen regional connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SCO-leaders-summit-photo.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SCO-leaders-summit-photo.jpg?resize=1016%2C677&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"SCO leaders attending Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan\" class=\"wp-image-37474\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SCO-leaders-summit-photo.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SCO-leaders-summit-photo.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SCO-leaders-summit-photo.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SCO-leaders-summit-photo.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SCO-leaders-summit-photo.jpg?resize=589%2C392&amp;ssl=1 589w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>SCO leaders attending Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. (Image Credit: X\/@narendramodi)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of a \u201cBishkek Declaration\u201d marking the SCO\u2019s 25th anniversary, alongside other documents and decisions aimed at strengthening cooperation and improving the organization\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>SCO as Eurasian Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The SCO traces its origins to the Shanghai Five, established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to reduce military tensions and address border disputes following the collapse of the Soviet Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The organization was formally established in 2001 after Uzbekistan joined. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, Iran joined in 2023, and Belarus became a member in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The SCO now consists of 10 members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond its full members, the organization has 15 dialogue partners and two observer states. T\u00fcrkiye is among the dialogue partners, alongside countries including Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, while Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 10 member states represent about 3.4 billion people and account for roughly 36% of global GDP based on purchasing power parity, giving the organization substantial demographic and economic weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite its expanding membership and influence, the SCO is neither a military alliance nor an economic union. Its founding declaration states that it is \u201cnot an alliance directed against other states.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, the organization serves as a platform for security cooperation, political dialogue, economic engagement and diplomacy across a large part of Eurasia.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/sadyrzhaparovkg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@sadyrzhaparovkg<\/a> held talks with President Xi Jinping.<br><br>President Xi noted that in recent years, China-Kyrgyzstan relations have developed by leaps and bounds. China is ready to work together with Kyrgyzstan to advance the building of a\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/wd44LuUACq\">pic.twitter.com\/wd44LuUACq<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Mao Ning \u6bdb\u5b81 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SpoxCHN_MaoNing\/status\/2094368839870116153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 31, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The summit provides Kyrgyzstan with an opportunity to strengthen its role as a regional diplomatic hub. The meeting also comes less than three months after the country was elected to the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, its first term on the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The gathering coincides with Kyrgyzstan\u2019s Independence Day and the opening of the sixth World Nomad Games, adding further significance to the country\u2019s hosting of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the SCO, the anniversary summit provides an opportunity to review its development over the past quarter-century while setting priorities for future cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The organization continues to face differences among its members, but its expanding membership and wider network of partners have increased its role as a platform for dialogue across Eurasia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With security, trade, connectivity, development and international cooperation all on the agenda, the Bishkek summit is expected to reinforce the SCO\u2019s role as a major forum for regional diplomacy while marking 25 years since the organization was formally established.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member and partner states have gathered in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for a two-day summit focused on regional security, economic cooperation and the future development of the Eurasian organization as it marks its 25th anniversary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16289,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[124,1],"tags":[137,380,143,181,134,70,30,273,274,8,71,20,249,113,182,296,82,275],"class_list":["post-37469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia-pacific","category-news","tag-asia","tag-asia-pacific","tag-azerbaijan","tag-central-asia","tag-economy","tag-india","tag-iran","tag-kazakhstan","tag-kyrgyzstan","tag-pakistan","tag-politics","tag-russia","tag-sco","tag-security","tag-tajikistan","tag-trade","tag-turkey","tag-uzbekistan"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-9Kl","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/SCO-flags.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37469"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37485,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37469\/revisions\/37485"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}