Foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have concluded talks in Kyrgyzstan, approving key documents for the upcoming Bishkek summit. Discussions focused on regional security, economic cooperation, transport links and shared challenges.
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev formally declared the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers closed following a signing ceremony, according to Russian media.
Speaking to reporters after the session, he said the package of documents agreed by the ministers would be submitted to SCO heads of state for approval at the upcoming summit in Bishkek.
Kulubayev said the summit's main political document would be the Bishkek 25th Anniversary Declaration, outlining member states' shared vision for cooperation within the organisation and setting out coordinated positions on major regional and global issues.
Leaders are also expected to consider a draft protocol proposing amendments to the SCO Charter, the organisation's founding document.
Earlier, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov met the foreign ministers of SCO member states, calling for closer coordination in addressing regional security challenges and deeper economic cooperation.
According to the Kyrgyz presidential press service, discussions covered trade and economic cooperation, the development of transport corridors, joint investment projects and preparations for the SCO summit in Bishkek.
Japarov stressed the need for collective action to address challenges including terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The Kyrgyz leader also called for accelerating the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security in Bishkek, which would operate under the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
Regional security concerns were also raised by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who warned that any country participating in U.S. military operations against Iran or assisting strikes on the country could become a "legitimate target" for Iran's armed forces.
Speaking at the SCO foreign ministers' meeting, Araghchi said Tehran reserved the right to take measures in self-defence and would hold all parties involved accountable.
He called on SCO member states to show solidarity and support diplomacy, urging them not to allow "aggression to replace diplomacy, force to replace right, and double standards to replace justice."
On the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Araghchi on rising tensions in the Gulf region.
Lavrov stressed the importance of reaching a lasting agreement to end hostilities and restore stability, security and freedom of navigation in the region. The two diplomats also discussed bilateral issues, the ministry said.
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