The declaration was signed during the SCO summit in Bishkek, which also marked the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The full text of the document was published on the Kremlin's official website.

According to the declaration, SCO member states agreed to continue efforts to consolidate the organisation and advance the objectives outlined in the SCO Development Strategy through 2035.

A key element of the Bishkek Declaration is the call for reform and improvement of the existing system of global governance and international regulation.

The SCO leaders stressed the importance of developing norms and rules that would allow all states to participate on an equal footing in international decision-making and benefit from its outcomes.

The position reflects the organisation's emphasis on a more balanced international system and greater representation for countries outside traditional Western-led institutions.

The leaders also reaffirmed their willingness to expand cooperation with interested countries, international organisations and multilateral associations.

The declaration highlighted the importance of the SCO Plus format in expanding the organisation's international partnerships.

“Interaction in the SCO Plus format contributes to the formation of a broad, inclusive global partnership,” the document said.

The format is intended to provide additional opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between SCO members and other states and international organisations.

The Bishkek Declaration also addressed several emerging challenges on the global agenda.

Among them was the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence, with the SCO leaders stressing the need for appropriate international cooperation and rules governing the rapidly developing technology.

The declaration also addressed sustainable development and the reform of the global economic governance system, highlighting the importance of cooperation in addressing economic and technological challenges.

In addition to the Bishkek Declaration commemorating the SCO's 25th anniversary, participating leaders signed 27 other documents during the summit.

The agreements and declarations cover various areas of cooperation within the organisation and are intended to strengthen coordination among member states.

The Bishkek summit represents another step in the SCO's efforts to deepen political, economic and security cooperation while expanding its engagement with countries and international organisations beyond its core membership.

With its emphasis on equal participation in global decision-making, broader international partnerships and reform of global economic governance, the Bishkek Declaration underscores the SCO's growing role in discussions over the future structure of the international system. (ILKHA)