SCO Member States Adopt Tianjin Declaration

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Following the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin on 1 September 2025, the leaders of SCO member states adopted the Tianjin Declaration, which outlines the main directions for multilateral cooperation and strategic priorities for the coming years.

The document notes that “profound historical changes are taking place in the world, affecting all spheres of political, socio-economic, and public relations,” and emphasizes the need to strengthen a multipolar world order, “opening new opportunities for state development and mutually beneficial international cooperation.”

The declaration expresses concern over “rising geopolitical confrontation, security and stability challenges,” including in the SCO region, as well as declining stability in global commodity and financial markets.

SCO leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, emphasizing support for the “equal and full observance of the goals and principles of international law” and the necessity of respecting peoples’ rights to independently choose their political and socio-economic development paths.

The declaration highlights that “the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and the non-use or threat of force form the foundation for sustainable development of international relations.”

The document also confirms commitment to joint efforts against terrorism, separatism, extremism, and the illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances, and weapons, noting that “double standards in counter-terrorism are unacceptable.” Recent terrorist attacks, including those in Pahalgam, on the Jaffer Express, and in Khuzdar, are condemned, with condolences expressed to the victims and calls to hold perpetrators accountable.

Economic and transport cooperation is another key focus. SCO leaders reaffirmed support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and stressed the importance of aligning it with the Eurasian Economic Union and creating a “Greater Eurasian Partnership.”

The declaration calls for “the creation of new and modernization of existing international transport routes, including promoting North–South and East–West corridors,” as well as the digitalization of logistics procedures. Mentioned projects include the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and development of international road transport.

The declaration covers a wide range of areas, from digital economy and e-commerce to scientific, technological, and innovation cooperation.

It emphasizes that SCO member states “highly value the contribution of the city of Qingdao in unlocking the region’s tourism potential” and welcome efforts to strengthen cultural and educational ties, including the activities of the SCO University and the creation of a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Dushanbe.

Special attention is given to environmental protection and sustainable development. The declaration underscores the need to “deepen practical cooperation to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals” and implement measures on energy security, green industry, biodiversity conservation, and protection of mountain ecosystems.

SCO leaders confirmed their readiness to coordinate efforts to strengthen social sectors, healthcare, youth cooperation, women’s and children’s rights, public safety, and anti-corruption measures.

The document stresses the importance of further developing multilateral economic, transport, educational, scientific, cultural, and environmental ties to reinforce stability and sustainable growth across Eurasia.