The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) made significant strides at their recent summit in Kazakhstan, where members unanimously adopted the Astana Declaration on Thursday. This pivotal document reaffirms the SCO's dedication to building a new type of international relations and fostering a community with a shared future for mankind.
In the declaration, SCO members voiced strong concerns over the unilateral and unrestricted strengthening of global anti-missile systems, highlighting how such actions threaten international security and stability. The nations are calling for a shift away from a confrontational mindset when addressing international and regional issues, promoting dialogue and cooperation instead.
The declaration also took a firm stance on recent events in Gaza, with SCO members condemning acts that cause massive civilian casualties and humanitarian disasters. Emphasizing that seeking security at the expense of others is unacceptable, the organization underscores the importance of humanitarian considerations in security discussions.
Adding a cultural highlight to the summit, the declaration announced that Qingdao City in east China's Shandong Province will serve as the SCO Tourist and Cultural Capital for the years 2024 and 2025. This initiative aims to boost cultural exchange and tourism among member states, celebrating the rich heritage and vibrant cultures within the SCO community.
With this declaration, the SCO continues to position itself as a key player in promoting peace, stability, and cultural exchange on the global stage. 🌍✨
