SCO marks its tenth anniversary in Astana

The member states issued a summit declaration in Tashkent, presenting the SCO as a platform for security, economic and diplomatic cooperation. Its principles of sovereign equality and non-interference...

The Tashkent summit adopted a procedure for future membership applications. This formalized a route for possible expansion, but it did not make any applicant a member or remove the requirement for...

Member states signed an agreement to cooperate in combating crime. The instrument broadened law-enforcement coordination beyond counterterrorism, making clear definitions, due process and protection...

During the 2010 Kyrgyzstan crisis, the organization emphasized assistance and stability but did not intervene militarily. This response reflected the SCO’s non-interference principle and exposed a...

The rotating chairmanship passed from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan at the summit. Rotation gave member states formal participation in agenda leadership, though the members’ differing political and...

The members expressed support for international law, cooperation and a more democratic international system. This language challenged unequal global institutions, while the SCO itself remained an...

The Council of Heads of State approved a regulation on admission of new members, establishing a formal basis for future enlargement. The process remained controlled by existing governments and...

The Council of Heads of Government issued a joint statement about the world economy and the SCO region. The statement reflected concern about economic uncertainty and the need for coordination, but it...

The six heads of state adopted a declaration describing a regional vision of peace, development and international cooperation. Its language of common prosperity raised a political aspiration;...

The Beijing summit granted Afghanistan observer status, widening its institutional relationship with the organization without making it a member. The decision recognized Afghanistan’s central place in...