[Title] The Samarkand Declaration of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

We the leaders of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (hereinafter referred to as the SCO or Organisation), based on the results of the meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council held in Samarkand on 16 September 2022, declare the following.

The world is undergoing global change as it enters a new age of rapid development and large-scale transformations. These fundamental processes are accompanied by growing multipolarity and connectivity and accelerating informatisation and digitalisation. Against this background, the current system of international challenges and threats is becoming more complicated, the global situation is deteriorating alarmingly, existing conflicts and crises are intensifying and new ones are emerging.

The increasing technological and digital gap, the persisting turbulence on global financial markets, a global decrease in investment flows, unstable supply chains, increasing protectionist measures and other obstacles to international trade are aggravating global economic instability and uncertainty.

The consequences of global climate change and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic are creating additional challenges to economic growth, social welfare and food security, as well as to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, new approaches are needed to promote more just and effective international cooperation and sustainable economic development.

The member states, relying on their similar or identical assessments of the current regional and international agenda, confirm their commitment to creating a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on the universally recognised principles of international law, multilateralism, equal, common, indivisible comprehensive and stable security, cultural and civilizational diversity, as well as mutually beneficial and equal cooperation of states under the central coordinating guidance of the UN.

The member states, acting in accordance with the principles of the SCO Charter, are committed to avoiding bloc, ideological or confrontational approaches to dealing with issues of international and regional development, and to addressing conventional and unconventional security challenges and threats. Taking into account the opinions of the member states, we reaffirm the importance of initiatives aimed at promoting our interaction for the development of a new kind of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as forging a common vision for creating a community with a shared future for humankind.

The member states stand for respecting the right of nations to an independent and democratic choice of their political, social and economic development path, underscoring that the principles of mutual respect of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use of force or threat of force serve as the foundation for the sustainable development of international relations. They reaffirm their commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and disputes among states based on dialogue and consultations.

The member states reaffirm that the SCO is not directed against other states or international organisations, and that it is open to broad cooperation with all in accordance with the goals and principles of the UN Charter, the SCO Charter and international law, and on the basis of respect for mutual interests and common approaches to dealing with regional and international issues.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation today has firmly established itself as a respected, influential multilateral association whose activities are aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability, jointly confronting new challenges and threats in the Organisation's space, and strengthening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations between the SCO countries.

The member states emphasise the historical significance of the SCO Charter adopted 20 years ago, which laid the foundation for close, fruitful and multifaceted cooperation between the SCO member states based on the Shanghai Spirit –mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultations, respect for cultural diversity, and striving for joint development. They believe that the consistent realisation of these principles is helping to create a new model of regional cooperation that is making a constructive contribution to strengthening mutually beneficial multilateral relations in Eurasia.

The member states intend to further develop cooperation in politics, security, trade, economy, finance, investment, as well as cultural and humanitarian ties in order to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous and environmentally sustainable planet Earth and achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Stressing the significance of the 15th anniversary of signing the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the SCO Member States, the leaders of the member states approved the Comprehensive Plan for its implementation for 2023-2027. The member states will further step up the SCO's participation in efforts to ensure peace and security, advocating the settlement of international and regional conflicts exclusively by peaceful political and diplomatic means in order to strengthen relations between the member states so that the friendship of their peoples is passed on from generation to generation.

The member states consider Central Asia to be the SCO's core and support the efforts of the countries of the region aimed at ensuring prosperity, peace and sustainable development and forming a space of neighbourliness, trust and friendship. They advocate further improving the SCO's role in strengthening the stability and socioeconomic development of this region, welcome the holding of regular Consultative Meetings between the heads of state of Central Asia and in this regard noted the successful regular summit held on 21 July 2022 in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic.

The member states believe that the ongoing efforts to strengthen interconnectedness between Central and South Asia contribute to achieving the common goal of ensuring prosperity and security in the vast SCO region through the formation of sustainable trade, economic, transport and communication ties and strengthening inter-civilisational dialogue.

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The member states express their deep concern about the threat to security posed by terrorism, separatism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and strongly condemned terror attacks across the globe. They emphasise the relevance of the consistent efforts to implement the Programme of Cooperation of the SCO Member States in Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism for 2022-2024, adopted in Dushanbe on 17 September 2021.

In reaffirming their deep commitment to the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, the member states are determined to take further active measures to eliminate conditions that facilitate the spread of terrorism, disrupt channels of terror financing, suppress recruitment activities and cross-border movement of terrorists, and counter extremism, youth radicalisation and the spread of terrorist ideology, as well as measures to eliminate sleeper cells and terrorist safe havens.

The member states believe it is unacceptable to interfere in countries' internal affairs under the pretext of combating terrorism and extremism, as well as the unacceptability of using terrorist, extremist and radical groups for deceptive purposes.

The member states deem it important to boost the international community's joint efforts in countering attempts to involve young people in the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, and to pay particular attention to preventing the spread of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism, ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, and ideas of fascism and ultranationalism.

The member states note the effective activities of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS) in promoting cooperation between relevant authorities in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism. They also emphasise the importance of implementing practical measures to give SCO RATS greater opportunities for boosting practical cooperation in these areas.

The member states, in accordance with their national legislation and on the basis of consensus, will seek to develop common principles and approaches to drawing up a unified list of designated terrorist, separatist and extremist organisations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the SCO member states.

The member states note the outcome of the joint anti-terrorism exercise by their competent authorities, Pabbi–Anti-Terror–2021, and a joint border operation by the border services of the member states' competent authorities, Solidarity–2019-2021, as well as the effective chairmanship of the Republic of India in the SCO RATS Council in 2021-2022.

The member states consider it necessary to implement the SCO HSC Decision on improving the mechanisms to counter challenges and threats to the security of the SCO member states, taking into account the relevant initiatives: on establishing a SCO Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as a separate permanent body (Republic of Tajikistan); on establishing a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to the Security of the SCO Member States based on the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in Tashkent (Russian Federation); on establishing an SCO Information Security Centre based on the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (Republic of Kazakhstan); on establishing an SCO Centre for Combating CrossBorder Organised Crime based on the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic).

The SCO member states will continue cooperation in ensuring international information security under the Agreement between the SCO Member States dated 16 June 2009 (Yekaterinburg) and the corresponding Cooperation Plan for 2022-2023.

The member states will promote cooperation between relevant agencies in the field of digital literacy promotion in order to bridge the digital divide.

The member states emphasise the key role of the UN in countering threats in the information space and creating a safe, fair and inclusive information space built on the principles of respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

They consider it important to ensure equal rights for all countries to regulate the internet and the sovereign right of states to manage it within their national segment.

The member states categorically oppose the militarisation of the ICT sector. They support the development of universal rules, principles and norms of responsible behaviour of states in this area, for example by welcoming a UN-led effort to develop a comprehensive international convention on combating the use of ICT for criminal purposes. The member states will continue to cooperate within specialized negotiating mechanisms at the UN and other international platforms.

The member states call on the international community to strengthen UN-led global cooperation against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations through the full implementation of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of international law, without politicisation or double standards, respecting the sovereignty and independence of all states, and to seek consensus on the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

The member states note the results of the international conference dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Joint Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia (Tashkent, 3-4 March 2022).

The member states note the efforts of the Republic of Tajikistan to promote multilateral cooperation in countering terrorism and its financing in the Central Asian region (Dushanbe Process) and holding, together with the UN, the next High-Level Conference "International and Regional Border Security and Management Cooperation to Counter Terrorism and Prevent the Movement of Terrorists" on 18-19 October 2022 in Dushanbe.

The member states note the nominations of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (2025-2026), the Kyrgyz Republic (2027-2028), the Republic of India (2028-2029), the Republic of Tajikistan (2028-2029), the Republic of Kazakhstan (2039-2040) as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, the nomination ofthe Kyrgyz Republic (2023-2025) and the People's Republic of China (2024-2026)to the UN Human Rights Council, the candidacy of the Republic of Kazakhstan forthe post of Chairman of the UN General Assembly for 2031-2032 and thecandidacy of the Republic of Tajikistan for membership in the UN Economic andSocial Council for 2024-2026.

The member states note the results of the Meeting of the SCO Security Council Secretaries (Tashkent, 18-19August 2022) and confirmed their readiness to further expand cooperation in countering threats to stability and security in the SCO space.

The member states note the results of the SCO Defence Ministers Meeting (Tashkent, 24-25 August 2022) and support further building up cooperation in the field of defence and security. They also underscore the importance of regularly holding the Peace Mission joint military anti-terrorist command and staff exercises to increase the level of interaction in combatting armed formations of international terrorist organisations and to improve counterterrorism methods.

The member states express concern over the increasing threats caused by the growth in the production, trafficking and abuse of drugs, and the use of drug trafficking revenue to finance terrorism. They underscore the need for a joint and balanced approach to countering the trafficking in illegal drugs and their precursors, and note the importance of implementing international drug control conventions and other relevant legal and regulatory documents.

The member states note that the trafficking and abuse of illegal drugs pose a threat to the international and regional security and stability, sustainable economic development of states, the health and well-being of people, and the exercise of fundamental human rights and freedoms. They emphasise the importance of consolidating forces in the fight against drug trafficking and advocate the further active development of practical cooperation in this area.

The member states intend to continue to jointly oppose attempts to legalise the use of drugs for non-medical purposes, based on the unacceptability of drug legalisation, which is considered a flagrant violation of three relevant international conventions.

The member states will continue to regularly hold joint operations to interdict illicit trafficking in drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, and to take effective measures to prevent the spread of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances based on the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2018-2023 and the Action Programme for its implementation. They note the results of the Meeting of the SCO Heads of Competent Agencies with the Authority to Combat Drug Trafficking (Tashkent, 20 April 2022).

The member states call for active cooperation with other interested states, as well as regional and international organisations in this area. They noted the outcome of the joint high-level event held by the SCO and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that took place on 15 March 2022 during the 65th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and emphasised the relevance of the SCO's continuing participation in implementing the Paris Pact Initiative.

The member states consider it important to consistently implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear programme and, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2231, call on all participants to strictly fulfil their obligations for the comprehensive and effective implementation of the document.

The member states that are party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons stand for the strict observance of the provisions of the Treaty, comprehensive and balanced efforts to deliver on its goals and principles, working to strengthen the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, furthering the process of nuclear disarmament, and efforts to facilitate equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy.

The member states once again draw attention to efforts taken by certain countries or groups of countries to unilaterally and unrestrictedly build-up global missile defence systems, which has a negative impact on international security and stability. The member states consider any attempt to ensure security at the expense of other states' security unacceptable.

The member states stand for responding to global and regional challenges and security threats through political and diplomatic means on a multilateral basis, and will step up cooperation and actively facilitate the multilateral process of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, including efforts within the Conference on Disarmament.

The member states advocate a weapons-free outer space, and note the importance of strict observance of the current legal framework which provides for the exclusively peaceful use of outer space. They emphasise the need for an international legally binding document to enhance transparency and provide credible guarantees for the prevention of an arms race and for the initiative on no first placement of weapons in outer space.

The member states particularly emphasise the relevance of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC) as one of the pillars of the global security architecture. They emphasise the need for strict adherence to the BTWC, including through the adoption of a BTWC Protocol which provides for an efficient verification mechanism. The member states oppose establishing any mechanisms to duplicate the functions of the BTWC, including those related to the competence of the UN Security Council.

The member states call for full implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) as an effective disarmament and nonproliferation instrument. They stress the importance of destroying all declared stockpiles of chemical weapons as soon as possible. The member states reiterate their support for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and stand for the adoption of concerted resolutions in order to overcome discrepancies within the Organisation, and ensure its integrity and effective work in accordance with the Convention.

The member states believe that the early entry into force of the Protocol on Security Assurances to the Treaty on the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia will be a significant contribution to ensuring regional security and strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime for all signatory states.

The member states proceed from the assertion that there is no alternative to a political and diplomatic settlement of conflicts in various regions of the world, based on strict compliance with the generally recognised norms and principles of international law.

The member states believe that settling the situation in Afghanistan as soon as possible is a critical factor in preserving and strengthening security and stability in the SCO space. They speak in favour of Afghanistan becoming an independent, neutral, unified, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs.

The member states consider it essential to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan that comprises representatives from all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society.

The member states, while emphasising the importance of the many years of hospitality and effective assistance rendered by regional and neighbouring countries to Afghan refugees, consider it important for the international community to make an active effort to facilitate their dignified, safe and sustainable return to their homeland.

The member states call for continuing efforts to provide assistance to the Afghan people in view of the current humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

The member states note the results of the 17th SCO Forum (Russian Federation, 26 May 2022) and also stress the importance of further promoting the work of the SCO Forum as a public consultation mechanism and a platform for expert dialogue on current issues of furthering SCO activities.

The member states reaffirm their intention to develop practical cooperation in law, justice and forensics via developing shared approaches to the exchange of experience and methodology for conducting forensic examinations, as well as skill improvement of forensic experts.

They advocate the development of cooperation in the field of lawmaking, legal assistance, and the legal education of the population, as well as the continuation of efforts to create an online platform for the exchange of legal information, with consideration for national laws.

The member states, in accordance with their national laws, will develop cooperation between Prosecutor General's Offices, ensuring interaction in law enforcement activities aimed at protecting human rights and countering today's challenges and threats from transnational crime, such as abuse in ICT, corruption, illegal trafficking in drugs and their precursors, smuggling, terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, human trafficking, and acts that infringe on the rights and freedoms of minors, the safety of the environment and nature management.

The member states note that fruitful cooperation between chief justices is a reliable platform for improving joint activities in protecting human rights and freedoms, strengthening justice, law and order. This mechanism helps to align approaches in the work of courts in SCO member states, facilitates more effective cooperation between courts and creates favourable conditions for more profound judicial reforms.

They will expand cooperation in the field of forensic investigations, including information sharing and joint events.

The member states attach great importance to cooperation between supreme courts in the field of justice as an effective factor in strengthening mutual trust and friendship, and expanding intra-SCO neighbourliness.

The member states are convinced that corruption, in all its manifestations, threatens national and regional security, makes public administration less effective, negatively affects the international prestige of states and their investment appeal, and hampers their sustainable socioeconomic development. They call for further strengthening international anti-corruption cooperation, enhancing the authority of the UN and its role in the global fight against corruption, and support the relevant UN Convention.

The member states call for establishing ties between legislative bodies and exchanging experience in public administration and development.

The member states will continue to send SCO missions to monitor presidential and parliamentary elections and referendums.

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The member states reaffirm the openness of the SCO for admitting new members, interested states whose goals and aspirations meet the criteria and terms contained in the Organisation's regulatory legal documents. They noted the significance of the decision made on 17 September 2021 at the Dushanbe summit on launching a procedure for admitting the Islamic Republic of Iran as an SCO member. The signing of a Memorandum of Obligations on the Islamic Republic of Iran to obtain the status of a permanent SCO member on 16 September 2022 in Samarkand became a practical implementation of this decision.

The member states underscore the importance of a decision on launching a procedure to admit the Republic of Belarus as an SCO member.

The member states are pleased to make the decisions on granting the status of SCO dialogue partners to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Maldives, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

They highlight the signing of memorandums on granting the status of SCO dialogue partners with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar.

The member states praised the SCO Secretariat's signing of memorandums of understanding with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, UNESCO and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

The member states underscore that the expansion of the SCO and more profound cooperation with SCO observer states, dialogue partners and international associations will expand the Organisation's potential and will help further enhance its role on the international scene as a multilateral mechanism for addressing important current issues and ensuring security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

The member states will continue to search for common viewpoints, as regards foreign policy issues of common interest, including at international organisations and international forums.

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The member states reaffirm the importance of further improving the architecture of global economic governance and will consistently uphold and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the principles and rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), promote the development of an open world economy, and oppose protectionist actions and trade restrictions that run counter to the principles of the WTO, undermine the multilateral trading system and threaten the global economy. They stressed that the unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those adopted by the UN Security Council is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations.

The member states call for a more effective WTO as a key platform for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the rules of the multilateral trading system. They stress the need for an inclusive reform of the organisation as soon as possible, with an emphasis on its development and adaptation to modern economic realities, as well as the effective implementation of monitoring, negotiation and dispute resolution functions.

The member states are in favour of encouraging regional economic cooperation in various forms, promoting the creation of favourable conditions for trade and investment in order to gradually achieve the free movement of goods, capital, services and technologies.

The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming their support for China's Belt and Road initiative (BRI), note the ongoing work to jointly implement this project, including efforts to align the progress of the Eurasian Economic Union and the BRI.

The member states consider it important to use the capacities of the countries of the region, international organisations and multilateral associations in the interests of forming a space of wide, open, mutually beneficial and equal interaction in Eurasia in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and taking into account national interests. In this regard, they noted the idea of creating a Greater Eurasian Partnership with the participation of the SCO member states, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as other interested states and multilateral associations.

The member states note the importance of further deepening cooperation between the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in ensuring security and stability in the region, as well as on other issues of mutual interest. As such, they express support for the development of CICA institutions.

The member states emphasise the necessity of consistent implementation of the SCO Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Action Plan for its implementation. They stress that the SCO has developed significant economic and investment capacity that contributes to improving trade and economic cooperation. The expansion and promotion of cooperation in the financial, investment, industrial, transport, energy, agricultural and other fields, including through the development and implementation of joint programmes and projects, is in the interests of sustainable socioeconomic development in the SCO region.

The member states resolve to establish the Ad Hoc Working Group on Startups and Innovation, the Ad Hoc Working Group on Poverty Reduction and the Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine.

Considering the importance of studying and comprehensively analysing factors that affect SCO economic cooperation, and taking into account global and regional processes and the development of expert recommendations and proposals for the development of the SCO economic sector, the member states note the importance of continuing the practice of holding meetings of the SCO Consortium of Economic Analytical Centres and the SCO Economic Forum.

The member states are in favour of further deepening people-oriented cooperation to increase prosperity and living standards in the SCO space. They note the results of the first meeting of the SCO heads of ministries and agencies on poverty reduction (Tashkent, 28 January 2022) and the International Poverty Reduction Forum (Bukhara, 26-27 May 2022).

The member states stress the impact of COVID-19 on economic growth trends in the SCO space. In this regard, they consider it important to continue coordinating efforts in order to overcome the negative socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic, including the further implementation of the SCO Plan of Joint Recommendatory Measures for 2021-2023 (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021).

The member states note the importance of internet commerce for the development of economic cooperation in order to increase the employment and the growth of people's welfare and thus instruct the SCO Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) to adopt measures to improve the effectiveness of interaction in this area within the Conference of Ministers Responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities and the specialised Ad Hoc Working Group.

The member states underscore the need to strengthen the potential of technology parks, pool efforts to develop the innovation ecosystem, conduct joint research and development and initiate new digital projects in the SCO space, while emphasizing the implementation of the 2021 Concept on Creating a Pool of Technology Parks in the SCO member states.

The member states note that one of the components for developing the SCO's innovation potential would be a creative economy. We believe that support for creative industries will result in more competitive economies of SCO members.

The member states will continue promoting inter-regional cooperation by implementing the Programme for the Development of Inter-Regional Cooperation and conducting, and further expanding the Forum of Regional Governors format in the SCO countries. Interested states may access the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in the city of Qingdao.

To strengthen cooperation and develop the service industry and trade in services within the SCO and enhance regional and global competitiveness, the interested member states endorse a framework for cooperation between the authorised bodies of the SCO member states in charge of trade in services and a plan for joint actions to develop interregional trade within the SCO.

The member states will continue to develop the potential of the Business Council and the SCO Interbank Consortium, promote joint initiatives with business circles on intensifying cooperation with a view to implementing projects in areas such as finance, high technology, transport and communications, energy, investment, small and medium-sized businesses in the SCO space.

The member states emphasise the need to financially support project activity to fully reveal the SCO's investment potential, and with this aim in view, to continue consultations on creating the SCO Development Bank and the SCO Development Fund (Special Account).

They note the adoption by the interested SCO member states of a roadmap for the gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual transactions and support the expansion of this practice.

The member states will continue to cooperate on the digital economy and support digital technology development. They note the results of the first meeting of the heads of ministries and departments of the SCO member states, who are responsible for IT development (25 November 2021 in Tashkent) and the adoption of the Action Plan to implement the Concept for Cooperation between the SCO Member States in the Sphere of Digitalisation and Information and Communication Technologies.

The member states adopt the Programme for Infrastructure Development in the SCO space to promote economic growth in member states by building an efficient and competitive transport and technology infrastructure.

The member states emphasise the importance of further promoting cooperation in transport, including the creation of new and modernisation of existing international routes for vehicles and railways, multimodal transport corridors and logistics centres, the need to increase cooperation in trade and tourism, to introduce digital, innovation and energy saving technology, to optimise cross-border procedures in conformity with the best international practices and to implement other joint infrastructure projects that will ensure the efficient use of the SCO's transit potential.

The heads of the delegations note the results of the 9th Meeting of SCO Transport Ministers (Khiva, 12 May 2022). To develop the transit potential in the SCO space, the heads of state approved the concept for cooperation between the SCO member states on enhancing connectivity and creating cost-effective transport corridors.

Approaches to accelerated economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, further deepening regional economic cooperation and unblocking international production and supply chains are recorded in the Statement on Ensuring Reliable, Sustainable and Diversified Supply Chains, which was adopted in the interested member states format.

They note the importance of consistent implementation of the Agreement between the governments of the SCO member states on creating favourable conditions for international road transport (Dushanbe, 12 September 2014) and holding regular meetings of the Joint Commission on International Road Transport Facilitation.

The member states will continue to promote interaction between railway administrations based on the Concept of Interaction between Railway Administrations (Railways) in the SCO member states dated 2 November 2019.

The member states advocate the further development of modern logistics centres and the joint adoption of measures to coordinate and promote the integration of railway infrastructure, to integrate politics and regulations, scientific and technologically innovative designs and increasing capacity, to study specific measures to increase the number of international intermodal container trains and to further promote the safe, stable and high-quality development of rail transport.

The member states note the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to establish in Central Asia under UN auspices a Regional Centre for Developing Transport Connectivity, as well as the Republic of Kazakhstan's proposal to establish a UN Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The member states emphasise the need to continue to expand cooperation in industry and production cooperation within the SCO. They note the outcomes of the Second Meeting of the Ministers of Industry of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 15 July 2022), as well as the signing of a Programme to promote industrial cooperation between the business circles of the SCO member states and the opening of the Uzbekistan-SCO Industrial Zone.

The member states note the outcome of the Meeting of Energy Ministers of the SCO member states (Tashkent, 24 June 2022). They will continue to increase cooperation between the SCO countries in energy through practical implementation of the Concept of Cooperation between the SCO Member States in the Energy Sphere (Dushanbe, 12 August 2021).

The member states emphasise the need to increase mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, including the efficient use of all types of energy, and also support the use of various economically viable and environmentally friendly technologies that mitigate the negative impact on the environment and contribute to energy security and the transition to cleaner and environmentally friendly energy sources in an energy efficient economy. They note the importance of jointly exploring ways to expand the regional interconnectivity of the SCO member states' power grids.

To this end, the member states welcomed the adoption of the Programme of Cooperation between Authorised Bodies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Member States in the Use of Renewable Energy Sources.

The member states stressed their commitment to building a sustainable economic system, including through promoting green and environmentally friendly technology, as well as inclusive approaches to social development based on the implementation of the SCO Green Belt Programme (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021).

The member states note the importance of cooperation in environmental protection, environmental safety, prevention of the negative consequences of climate change, conservation and use of biodiversity, as well as the exchange of experience and operational information on these matters. We recognise that the lack of access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation and healthy hygiene are serious problems in our time, and note the need to pay heightened attention to sustainable development and rational use of water resources.

The member states are convinced that using the climate agenda to impose restrictions that limit trade and investment cooperation is unacceptable. Efforts will be made to establish a dialogue with the relevant international institutions in order to attract investment and funding for joint projects and programmes in environmental protection, to introduce innovative and environmentally friendly technology, and to increase the share of the green economy.

Taking into account a number of challenges faced by agriculture as part of the production cycle, the member states advocate the introduction of the latest technology, strong cooperation in food security, and prevention and control of cross-border epizootic diseases. In this regard, we will continue the practical implementation of the Joint Statement of the Council of the Heads of the SCO Member States on Food Security (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021), and also note the approval of the Concept of interaction between the authorised bodies of the SCO member states in intellectual agriculture and agricultural innovation and the signing of the agreement between the authorised bodies of the SCO member states on cooperation in plant quarantine.

The stakeholder member states note the expediency of using the SCO Modern Agricultural Exchange Centre in Yangling, China, for exchanging and training in modern agricultural technology.

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The member states will continue promoting cooperation in the cultural, scientific, technical, educational, humanitarian and tourism areas, facilitating the further development of dialogue between civilisations, as well as neighbourly and friendly relations in the SCO space. They will continue facilitating the expansion of cultural diversity and working together to study and protect the cultural and nature heritage of their region.

The member states note the results of the 7th meeting of their heads of sanitary and epidemiological services (St Petersburg, 9 December 2021). They consider it essential to ensure the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Joint Action by the SCO Member States to Address Epidemic Threats in the Region (10 November, 2020).

Denouncing stigmatisation in connection with the new coronavirus infection, the member states emphasise the need to further strengthen international cooperation in countering its spread, as well as in overcoming the global political and socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic.

The member countries note the need for joint efforts to develop cooperation on digitising healthcare and consider telemedicine's potential as part of their national strategies on maintaining and improving the health of their citizens. In this context, they mentioned the adoption of the Concept for Cooperation of SCO Member States in telemedicine.

The member states continue coordinating measures on responding to emergencies in public healthcare, which are of international significance, and deepening their scientific and technical cooperation on developing medications, vaccines and test systems, in particular, based on the roadmap on cooperation between their medical organisations in preventing and treating infectious diseases.

The member states noted the Russian Federation's initiative to hold regular exercises by interested member countries to detect and respond to sanitary and epidemiological emergencies, including the use of mobile laboratories.

The member countries support the leading role of the World Health Organisation in the system of global healthcare administration, including protection of the population from the threats of epidemics of infectious diseases in accordance with the WHO's International Health Regulations (2005).

Emphasising the importance of further implementation of the agreements between the governments of the SCO countries on assistance in disaster relief (Moscow, 26 October 2005), the member states reaffirm their willingness to promote cooperation in this area. They continue developing cooperation in such areas as the exchange of current information, personnel training and joint exercises on disasters and accident management. They will also help promote cooperation on preventing emergencies in border areas and eliminating their aftermath. The member states will continue developing cooperation with the UN and other international and regional organisations on these issues.

The member states note the importance of further developing cooperation on education in their region, expanding contacts between universities, holding forums of rectors, scientific conferences and symposiums and upgrading the activity of the SCO University.

Striving to expand cooperation on digital education with due account of the trends in world economic development under digitisation, the member countries note the adoption of the programme for the cooperation of the authorised bodies of their countries in developing digital literacy.

The member countries note the importance of further developing scientific and technical cooperation in the SCO. They are willing to conduct joint research and exchanges of scientists and research organisations with a view to searching for new sources of economic growth and ways of overcoming common social challenges.

In this context, they emphasise the need to implement the statement of the SCO Heads of State Council on promoting cooperation in science, technology and innovations (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021).

The member states advocate building up cooperation in youth affairs based on implementing the provisions of the Joint Appeal of the Heads of SCO Member states to Young People and the 2018 Programme of Action to implement it, as well as the 2021 Agreement between the authorised bodies of the SCO member states on Cooperation in Working with Young People. They gave a positive assessment to the outcomes of a meeting of the SCO Youth Council (Tashkent, 10 June 2022).

They noted the importance of holding intellectual games and competitions titled "The SCO Model" for schoolchildren and students, holding start-up forums and contests on innovations and start-up companies among young people, conclaves of young researchers for the development of the volunteer movement, as well as implementing the project "SCO International Youth Business Incubator" through the SCO Youth Council.

Noting the importance of supporting the participation of women in political, economic, public, social and other spheres of life, the member states welcome the holding of a SCO Women's Forum and the Conference of Women Entrepreneurs of the SCO member states in Samarkand on 17-18 August 2022.

In order to further strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between them, the member states consider it important to effectively implement the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in Culture signed on 16 August 2007 in Bishkek, including in literature, with translations of classical works, cinematography, musical, theatrical and fine arts, museum work, exhibitions and other creative activities. In this context, they noted the outcomes of the Meeting of Ministers of Culture of the SCO member states (Tashkent, 19 May 2022), the signing of the Memorandum between the authorised bodies of the SCO member states on cooperation in museum work and the initiative to create an Alliance of Museums of the SCO member states.

The member states, emphasising the importance of promoting cooperation in tourism, noted the results of the Meeting of the Heads of Tourism Administrations of the SCO member states (Tashkent, 19 May 2022), the signing of the Agreement between the governments of the SCO member states on expanding cooperation in tourism, as well as holding the Exhibition "Eight Wonders of the SCO" and the SCO Tourism Forum (Tashkent, 19-20 May 2022).

In order to promote the rich cultural and historical heritage of the peoples and the tourism potential of the SCO member states, a decision was made to declare the city of Varanasi, the Republic of India, the tourism and cultural capital of the SCO in 2022-2023.

The member states emphasise that the holding of the SCO Culture Year in 2021 demonstrated to the international community an example of respect for national traditions and mutual enrichment of cultures within the SCO space.

In order to support the tourism industry and increase the tourist appeal of the cities and regions in the SCO space, the member states agree to declare 2023 the SCO Year of Tourism.

The member states highly appreciate the contribution of public diplomacy institutions and cultural centres in the SCO member states to building mutual trust, strengthening mutual understanding and expanding cultural and humanitarian ties within the SCO space. They noted the outcomes of the SCO Public Diplomacy Forum (Tashkent, 11 May 2022), and the work of the SCO China Committee for Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, the SCO Cultural and Integration Centre in Bishkek, the SCO Friendship and Cooperation Centre in Dushanbe and the SCO Public Diplomacy Centre in Tashkent.

The member states believe it is necessary to develop contacts in the media, press services of government bodies and in the digital space, including through implementing the Agreement between the governments of the SCO member states on cooperation in mass media (Bishkek, 14 June 2019).

Recognising the importance of popularising the goals, objectives, principles and key areas of activity of the SCO among the general public in the region and around the world, the member states approved Regulations on the honorary title "SCO Goodwill Ambassador."

Recognising the role of sport as an important tool for ensuring peace, social inclusion and sustainable development, the member states reaffirm their willingness to step up cooperation in this area based on the principles of Olympism.

The member states welcome the holding of the first meeting of the heads of the sector-specific ministries and agencies responsible for the development of physical fitness and sports of the SCO member states (Tashkent, 20 May 2022). They expect the meeting to become a platform for coordinating interaction between the SCO member states in physical fitness and sports, as well as forming promising areas of cooperation in this area.

The member states note the holding of the SCO Kunming and Issyk-Kul Marathons (12 December 2021 and 14 May 2022), the Dushanbe Half Marathon (13 June 2021) and the SCO Tashkent Half Marathon (27 March 2022) and spoke in favour of holding such events on a regular basis, emphasising their contribution to deepening friendship and mutual understanding among the peoples of the SCO member states, as well as to positioning the SCO in the international arena.

Based on the importance of maintaining the environmental balance in the SCO space and restoring biodiversity, ensuring favourable conditions for the well-being of the people and sustainable development, the SCO member states emphasise the need for practical implementation of the 2022-2024 Action Plan for implementing the Concept of Cooperation of the SCO member states in environmental protection.

Supporting the proposal of the Republic of Tajikistan to declare 2025 the International Year for the Preservation of Glaciers, the member states note the initiative to create the International Glacier Protection Fund by way of adopting a UN General Assembly resolution.

The SCO member states note the adoption, at the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic, of the resolution of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly "Nature knows no borders: transboundary cooperation - a key factor for biodiversity conservation, restoration and sustainable use" and the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference "Expansion of monitoring and study of mountain glaciers."

The member states note the adoption at the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan of the resolution of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on strengthening connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia.

The member states note the initiatives to adopt UN General Assembly resolutions on declaring the International Day of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Education and the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions in 2023-2027 (Kyrgyz Republic), as well as the International Year of Volunteer Mobilisation to Promote Development Goals (Republic of Kazakhstan).

The member states note the outcomes of the 2nd High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action "Water for Sustainable Development" in 2018-2028 (Dushanbe, 6-9 June 2022).

The member states emphasise the importance of continued development of interaction with the UN, stakeholder states and entities in addressing the issues of the Aral Sea basin in connection with the large-scale problems posed by its drying up. They noted the adoption, at the suggestion of the Republic of Uzbekistan, of UN General Assembly resolution on declaring the Aral Sea region an area of environmental technology and innovation (18 May 2021), as well as, based on the positions of the parties, its initiative to launch the Multi-Partner Human Security Trust Fund in the Aral Sea region.

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As a responsible and influential participant in international efforts to ensure peace and stable development in Eurasia, the SCO will continue taking coordinated steps to counter growing threats and challenges in the region.

Reaffirming their commitment to peace, joint development and equitable relations based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and neighbourliness, the member states will continue conducting constructive and trust-based dialogue, deepening their effective, versatile cooperation and doing all they can to promote security and stability and ensure sustainable development in the SCO space.

The member states commend the results of the Republic of Uzbekistan's SCO Chairmanship in 2021-2022, which facilitated the further development of diverse, mutually beneficial cooperation. They welcome the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It is aimed at ensuring peace and stability, broad international cooperation and the promotion of humanity's sustainable development.

The SCO Chairmanship has been passed to the Republic of India for the forthcoming period. The next meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council will take place in the Republic of India in 2023.

Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Samarkand, 16 September 2022