Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held its Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz Republic currently holds the chairmanship for 2025–2026, succeeding China.
Under leadership of Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Japarov, the theme for this cycle is “25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity.”
Key Highlights of Meeting
Attended by:
- President of Kyrgyz Republic
- Defence Ministers of SCO member states
- SCO Secretary-General
- Director of the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)
Focus Areas:
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
- Regional security dynamics
- Ongoing conflict in the Middle East (West Asia)
Special Significance:
- Year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of SCO’s founding
- Members highlighted SCO’s growing importance amid rising global uncertainty and geopolitical instability
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
SCO evolved from Shanghai Five (1996) and formally took shape in 2001.
Origins:
- Shanghai Five included: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan
- Formed through border demarcation and demilitarisation talks
- Became SCO after Uzbekistan joined in 2001
Objectives:
- To strengthen regional cooperation
- To combat the “three evils”: Terrorism, Separatism, Extremism
Membership:
- Total Members (10): China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
- India: Became a full member in 2017 and held chairmanship in 2023
- Global Share: 30% of global GDP and 40% of world population
Observer States: Afghanistan and Mongolia
Structure and Functioning:-
- Supreme Body: Council of Heads of States (CHS), meets annually
- Official Languages: Russian and Chinese
- Permanent Bodies:
- Secretariat in Beijing
- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent