Astana, Jul 4 (EFE).- Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries noted the emergence of a “fairer and multipolar world order” in the joint declaration signed Thursday at the end of their summit in Kazakhstan’s capital.
“Tectonic shifts are occurring in global politics, the economy, and other areas of international relations. A fairer and multipolar world order is emerging…” the document reads.
At the same time, the declaration warns, the use of force is intensifying and international law is systematically violated. Geopolitical confrontations and conflicts are increasing, and risks to stability in the world and the SCO region are multiplying.
“The member states do not participate in decision-making aimed at interfering in internal affairs and contrary to international law,” the Astana Declaration emphasizes.
They confirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and recognized the central role of states and their security services in countering threats.
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
“Deeply concerned about the worsening Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the member states strongly condemn actions that have caused numerous civilian casualties and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,” the text states.
The SCO leaders stressed the need for a complete and sustainable ceasefire as soon as possible, providing access to humanitarian aid and making greater efforts to achieve peace, stability, and security for all residents of the region.
The SCO said that the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is “a comprehensive and just resolution of the Palestinian issue.”
Economic governance reform
The organization called for further improvement and reform of the global economic governance architecture. And it said it would systematically defend and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory trade system.
The member states expressed their rejection of protectionist actions, unilateral sanctions, and trade restrictions because they “undermine the multilateral trading system and hinder sustainable global development.”
They emphasized that the unilateral application of sanctions is incompatible with the principles of international law and negatively impacts third countries and international economic relations.
The SCO, established in 2001, currently includes Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Belarus became the tenth member of the SCO Thursday, following Iran, which joined the organization last July. EFE