Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, 1 September 2025 - In his address, the Head of State expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China for the excellent organization of the summit and the warm hospitality extended in the historic city of Tianjin.

“Allow me to congratulate you, esteemed President Xi Jinping, on China’s successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Kazakhstan highly values China’s consistent policy aimed at strengthening security, stability, economic cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian ties within the SCO framework. We attach great significance to today’s summit, which takes place on the eve of two historic anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of China’s heroic victory over Japanese militarism and the 80th anniversary of the great victory in World War II. These milestones must serve as an eternal reminder to humanity of the need for unity and solidarity in pursuit of the well-being of people across all continents, the prevention of historical distortion, and the education of younger generations in the spirit of patriotism and true values,” said the President.

He stressed that the SCO is rightfully recognized by the international community as an effective, influential, and highly relevant international institution.

“Kazakhstan fully supports the SCO’s key objectives: an equitable multipolar world order, security and stability, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, recognition of their sovereign right to development, fair international trade, and mutually beneficial investment cooperation. The Organization’s priorities serve the noble goal of ensuring prosperity, security, and sustainable development for our peoples in a new technological era. Firmly committed to the principles enshrined in SCO’s founding documents, Kazakhstan considers joint efforts to combat the ‘three evils’—terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism—as particularly timely. We advocate for further strengthening of the ‘Shanghai Spirit,’ which has become a symbol of international solidarity in the interests of global peace and security,” President Tokayev emphasized.

He went on to outline his vision for the Organization’s future priorities, naming the strengthening of strategic partnership and mutual support as the first priority.

“In the face of escalating geopolitical conflicts, technological competition, financial and economic sanctions, as well as environmental and man-made disasters, the SCO must become a permanent platform for broad political dialogue, trust-building in the international community, humanitarian cooperation, and intercivilizational dialogue. In this regard, we welcome President Xi Jinping’s initiatives on global development, global security, global civilization, and global governance. We consider the full implementation of the SCO’s new ten-year development strategy, which we are adopting today, to be of paramount importance,” the Head of State said.

President Tokayev also underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation in security, noting that this is becoming a top priority in light of rising international terrorism, religious extremism, drug trafficking, illegal migration, cybercrime, and other destabilizing trends.

“Such threats to international security, including the ‘three evils,’ can only be overcome through joint action. Kazakhstan therefore supports the establishment of four SCO centers to counter security challenges and threats. We also see value in deepening engagement between the SCO and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). We call on SCO member states to continue providing humanitarian and technical assistance to Afghanistan to support its recovery and integration into regional and economic processes. Kazakhstan has already launched infrastructure and logistics projects in Afghanistan to enhance connectivity among SCO states. In early August, with the participation of the UN Secretary-General, the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan was officially opened in Almaty. We propose that SCO member states jointly utilize this Center’s potential to coordinate efforts and strengthen regional cooperation across all priority areas,” the President stated.

The Head of State highlighted the critical importance of advancing trade, economic, and investment cooperation, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s opposition to the use of sanctions as a tool of pressure.

“Since the SCO’s establishment, our countries’ contribution to global GDP has doubled, reaching 30 percent. Intraregional trade continues to grow, amounting to over 650 billion US dollars in 2024. Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with SCO countries also shows steady growth, nearing 70 billion US dollars last year. We support China’s initiative to establish an SCO Development Bank and are ready to participate in this promising project. Furthermore, we propose setting up an SCO Investment Support Office at the Astana International Financial Centre to facilitate major investment projects and bring together legal, consulting, and financial services,” said President Tokayev.

Another priority he identified was the strengthening of transit and transport cooperation, noting the immense potential of the Belt and Road Initiative, supported by more than 150 countries.

“This global project could generate up to 1.5 trillion US dollars annually for participants in trade and logistics operations along the Belt and Road routes. Additional opportunities lie in the North–South and East–West transport corridors, as well as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. A promising new initiative is the ‘Trans-Altai Dialogue,’ designed to fully unlock the potential of the Altai region—a unique space in terms of geography, population, and economic strength, encompassing Kazakhstan, Russia, China, and Mongolia. To realize these ambitious plans, our countries must continue to develop transport connectivity and jointly address transit tariff strategies. This topic could feature on the agenda of discussions among port and logistics leaders at the upcoming first SCO Forum in November in the city of Aktau,” the President noted.

He further underlined the urgent need to intensify cooperation in high technology and digitalization. According to him, this area has become particularly pressing, with the global artificial intelligence (AI) market projected to reach 5 trillion US dollars by 2033, accounting for 30 percent of the global technology industry.

“Progress in this field is outpacing other strategic sectors. I am convinced that the SCO can become a global leader in the accelerated development of artificial intelligence. Kazakhstan therefore supports China’s proposal to establish a Global Organization for AI Cooperation and stands ready to contribute. We also advocate for practical collaboration across the entire digital agenda, including the introduction of smart solutions in industry, healthcare, logistics, and urban governance,” President Tokayev said.

As a practical step in this direction, he proposed establishing an SCO Expert Forum on Artificial Intelligence to be held regularly across member states.

“The first such meeting could take place in Astana within the framework of the respected Digital Bridge Forum. Furthermore, in 2027 Kazakhstan intends to host a High-Level Conference on ‘Artificial Intelligence for SCO Economies.’ Already next year, we are prepared to welcome SCO media representatives for discussions on information policy challenges in the new technological era,” President Tokayev added.

Another priority he highlighted was environmental cooperation.

“Climate challenges know no borders and cause damage to many states and regions around the world. It is essential to jointly develop effective strategies to address real threats such as desertification, drought, shrinking water bodies, melting glaciers, and other environmental issues. We therefore propose establishing an SCO Water Research Center in Kazakhstan,” the Head of State said.

He also reminded participants that next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the SCO.

“It is crucial to approach this milestone thoughtfully and constructively, ensuring tangible, meaningful results for our peoples. Once again, I express my deep gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his tireless and productive efforts in promoting the constructive values of the ‘Shanghai Spirit.’ I am confident that this summit will be remembered as a successful forum that adopted concrete decisions, which will undoubtedly strengthen the SCO’s potential,” President Tokayev concluded.

In closing, the Head of State wished success to the Kyrgyz Republic and its President Sadyr Japarov as they assume the next SCO chairmanship.

During the session, addresses were also delivered by President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus, President Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The session concluded with the signing of the following documents:

1. The Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO;

2. A decision of the Council of Heads of State on the adoption of outcome documents, including:
   – The SCO Development Strategy to 2035;
   – The Cooperation Program of SCO Member States to Counter Extremist Ideology for 2026–2030;
   – The Roadmap for Implementing the SCO Energy Cooperation Development Strategy to 2030;

3. A decision to grant the Lao People’s Democratic Republic the status of SCO Dialogue Partner;

4. A decision to grant the SCO observer status with the Commonwealth of Independent States;

5. A decision on the new “SCO Partner” status;

6. A decision to designate Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, as the SCO Cultural and Tourist Capital for 2025–2026;

7. A decision authorizing the SCO Secretary-General to sign:
   – A Protocol to the Agreement between the SCO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Conditions of the SCO Secretariat’s Presence in China (dated June 17, 2004);
   – A Memorandum of Understanding between the SCO Secretariat and the Roscongress Foundation;

8. A decision to approve annual reports, including:
   – The Report of the SCO Secretary-General on the Organization’s activities over the past year;
   – The Report of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure on its activities in 2024;

9. An Agreement on the establishment of an SCO Anti-Drug Center;

10. An Agreement on the establishment of a Universal SCO Center to Counter Security Challenges and Threats;

11. A Statement marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations;

12. A Statement on strengthening cooperation in the digital economy;

13. A Statement on sustainable energy development;

14. A Statement on cooperation in green industry;

15. A Statement on advancing international cooperation in artificial intelligence;

16. A Statement in support of the multilateral trading system;

17. A Statement on addressing the world drug problem;

18. A Statement on scientific, technical, and innovation cooperation;

19. A Statement by authorized ministries and agencies on strengthening investment cooperation for sustainable development;

20. A Protocol to the 2004 Agreement on the Conditions of the SCO Secretariat’s Presence in China.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-pretoria/press/news/details/1060731?lang=kk