Samarkand declaration outline from Shanghai Cooperation Organization

• By Al Mayadeen English 

Shanghai Cooperation Organization concludes 2022 summit with Samarkand declaration noting that the organization is not intended against other organizations.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member nations have agreed that the SCO is not intended against other governments or international organizations, according to a declaration issued on Friday during the SCO summit in Samarkand.

"Member states reaffirm that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organizations and is open to broad cooperation with them in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the SCO Charter, and international law, based on consideration of mutual interests and commonality of approaches to solving regional and global problems," the document read.

On Anti-terrorism and foreign interference

SCO has stated that they are against any interference in other nations' internal affairs under the pretense of anti-terrorism and anti-extremism measures the declaration noted.

The document specifically read that "Member states note the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of states under the pretext of countering terrorism and extremism, as well as the unacceptability of using terrorist, extremist and radical groups for personal gain."

Additionally, the declaration entailed that "member states expressed deep concern over the threat to security posed by terrorism, separatism, and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, and strongly condemned terrorist acts around the world. They stressed the importance of the consistent implementation of the Program of Cooperation of the SCO Member States in Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism for 2022-2024 [signed in 2021]."

SCO member countries sought to develop cooperation in the fields of security and defense based on "results of the Meeting of Ministers of Defense of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, August 24-25, 2022)," highlighting the significance of periodical joint military anti-terrorist drills.

On Iran's JCPOA

The JCPOA was also part of the Samarkand declaration in which "The member states consider it important to sustainably implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program and, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2231, call on all participants to strictly fulfill their obligations for the comprehensive and effective implementation of the document."

On Militarization of the IT sector

The SCO declaration agreed upon in Samarkand also noted that the organization stands firmly against the militarization of the IT sector. It dictated that "They support the development of universal rules, principles, and norms of responsible behavior of states in this area, also welcome the launch of the development under the auspices of the UN of a comprehensive international convention on combating the use of ICT for criminal purposes."

On Unilateral Build-Up of Global Missile Defense Systems

The member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) consider the unilateral build-up of global missile defense systems as a negative trend, according to the Samarkand declaration signed on Friday.

"The member states once again draw attention to the fact that the unilateral and unrestricted build-up of global missile defense systems by individual countries or groups of states has a negative impact on international security and stability. They consider unacceptable attempts to ensure their own security at the expense of the security of other states," the declaration read.

On Chemical Weapons 

SCO has called on its member countries, as per the Samarkan declaration, to fully implement the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and Their Destruction (CWC) "as an effective instrument in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation," adding that "They stress the importance of the early destruction of all declared stockpiles of chemical weapons."

On Afghanistan

The SCO declaration signed on Friday highlights the significance of playing a role in advocating for and supporting the formation of an inclusive, independent, neutral, united, democratic, and peaceful state in Afghanistan with the hopes that it will be free from terrorism, war, and drugs.

The declaration read that with the participation of representatives of "all ethnic, religious and political groups of Afghan society," SCO member states find it "extremely important to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan."

On World Trade Organization (WTO)

The SCO has also urged increased effectiveness of the WTO and called for its inclusive reform as soon as possible.

"The member states call for more effective WTO as a key forum for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the rules of the multilateral trading system," the document read.

On the list of Terrorist, Separatist, and Extremist Organizations

Last but not least in the Samarkand declaration is noted a need to develop a single list of terrorist, separatist, and extremist organizations that can be adopted by all members of the organization.

"In accordance with their national laws and on the basis of consensus, the member states will strive to develop common principles and approaches to the formation of a single list of terrorist, separatist and extremist organizations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the SCO member states," the document read.