SCO notes the emergence of a "fairer and multipolar world order"

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, 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.

The SCO countries confirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and recognized the central role of sovereign states and their security services in countering terrorist threats.

"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."

The organization called for further improvement and reform of the global economic governance architecture and will 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, which "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 today, following Iran, which joined the organization last July. EFE

kk-mos/jrh

Astana (Kazakhstan).- (L-R) Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attend a group photo opportunity during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states leaders' summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, 04 July 2024. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit taking place in Astana from 03 to 04 July. (Bielorrusia, Kazajstán, Rusia) EFE/EPA/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL / POOL MANDATORY CREDIT