Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defense Ministers Convene in Astana

Astana, The Gulf Observer: The meeting of the ministers of defense of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) commenced in Astana, according to media reports.

Hosted as part of Kazakhstan’s presidency in the SCO, the event has drawn the participation of defense ministers from member states including India, Iraq, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, the Secretary-General of the SCO, the Director of the SCO RATS Executive Committee, and the Minister of Defense of Belarus have been invited to attend.

The SCO, founded on agreements aimed at strengthening trust in the military sphere and mutual reduction of armed forces in border areas, traces its roots to agreements signed by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan in 1996 and 1997. Initially known as the Shanghai Five, this mechanism evolved into a regional multilateral structure following the Dushanbe Declaration in 2000, with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.

Formally established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, the SCO serves as a platform for enhancing cooperation among member states to address emerging challenges and leverage opportunities amidst the evolving dynamics of political multipolarity, economic globalization, and information technology in the 21st century.

Emphasizing the principles of openness and cooperation, the SCO Charter, signed in 2002 and registered with the UN Secretariat in 2013, forms the foundational document guiding the organization’s activities. Complemented by over 25 agreements and legal instruments, including the Convention on Immunities and Privileges, the SCO framework fosters collaboration in various domains, such as anti-terrorism efforts and regional security.

The convening of defense ministers in Astana underscores the SCO’s commitment to fostering dialogue, enhancing cooperation, and addressing shared security challenges within the region and beyond. As discussions unfold, the meeting is expected to contribute to further strengthening the SCO’s role as a vital forum for promoting stability, security, and development across Eurasia.