[Title] BISHKEK DECLARATION

The heads of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereinafter referred to as the SCO or the Organization) - the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, guided by common or similar approaches to the key problems of the present, at the Meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States on August 16, 2007 in Bishkek, declare the following:

Processes of globalization that are gaining momentum, reinforce the interdependence of states, making their security and development indivisible as a result. Today's security threats and challenges can be effectively addressed through the joint efforts of the international community on the basis of agreed principles and in the framework of multilateral mechanisms. Unilateral actions cannot resolve existing problems.

An effective global security system can only be created under the UN auspices and in strict compliance with its Charter.

Cooperation in addressing new challenges and threats should be carried out consistently, without resorting to double standards, in strict observance of the norms of international law.

Such tasks as ensuring stable global economy, reducing poverty, leveling of social and economic development, ensuring economic, environmental, energy and information security, as well as protecting the population and territory of the Organization’s member states from natural and manmade emergencies.

The SCO member states advocate creating a security architecture on the basis of generally accepted norms of international law that will:

- reflect the balance of interests of all participants of international relations;

- guarantee each member state the right to independent choose its way of development based on its own historical experience and national specificity, protect its unity and national dignity and equally participate in international affairs;

- guarantee the settlement of international and regional conflicts and crises through political and diplomatic means in strict compliance with the principles and norms of international law and with consideration of legitimate interests of all parties concerned;

- preserve the diversity of cultures and civilizations and encourage implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the dialogue between civilizations and religions.

The SCO member states intend to cooperate closely in addressing the UN reform issues. The reform of this global Organization, particularly of its Security Council, should be based on the broadest possible consensus of its members. Successful cooperation in this area is key to full realization of the aspiration of all the SCO member states towards comprehensive strengthening of the role of the United Nations and reaffirming the central position of its Security Council in maintaining international peace and security.

The SCO Member States consistently stand for strengthening strategic stability, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and consider important and urgent to draft an international legal instrument on preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space and on the use of force or threat of force against outer space objects.

The heads of state note the importance of concluding the Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (September 8, 2006, Semipalatinsk) and welcome the adoption by the 61st session of the UN General Assembly of a respective resolution that highly appreciates the contribution of the Central Asian countries to the consolidation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, promotion of cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, as well as strengthening of regional and international peace and security.

The heads of state support the efforts of the states parties to the Central Asia Nuclear-WeaponFree Zone Treaty towards conclusion with countries possessing nuclear weapons of the Protocol on security guarantees which would ensure genuine existence of a nuclear free zone in the region.

Recognizing the catalytic role of the rapid development and massive use of information technologies for the social progress of mankind, the SCO member states express concern over the threat of their use for purposes inconsistent with the objectives of maintaining international stability and security.

The SCO member states stand ready to develop cooperation and step up joint efforts to strengthen international information security in all its aspects.

The heads of state believe that stability and security in Central Asia can be ensured primarily by the states of the region based on regional and international organizations already established therein.

The member states note the need for collective efforts to address new challenges and threats. They express their appreciation for the activities of the SCO Regional Antiterrorist Structure and believe that it has great potential to further improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Expressing concerns over the drug threat emanating from Afghanistan and its negative impact on the Central Asian region, the heads of state call for consistent strengthening of anti-drug cooperation within the Organization, combining international efforts on the creation of anti-drug security belts” around Afghanistan. The SCO member states stand ready to take part in efforts to normalize the political situation in Afghanistan and develop economic cooperation with the country. The Contact Group SCO - Afghanistan will be revitalized.

The heads of the SCO member states note the important role of energy sector as a basis for sustainable economic growth and security and attach special importance to strengthening cooperation in this area. Reliable and mutually beneficial partnership in various areas of the energy sector will contribute to security and stability both in the SCO region and globally. Comparison of energy strategies in the SCO framework seems to be an important task. Within the available resources, demand, opportunities and potential, the SCO member states will continue to promote dialogue on energy issues and practical cooperation among energyproducing, transit and consumer states..

The SCO member states have confirmed their readiness to provide mutual practical assistance to each other in implementing national programs of economic development.

The SCO member states reiterate that the Organization is open for cooperation with all interested partners on the basis of international law and universally recognized norms of international relations in order to find mutually acceptable solutions to urgent problems of our time.