PM Modi said, the situation in Afghanistan has a direct impact on the security of all of us. (file)
New Delhi:
Expressing concern over the situation in Afghanistan, the leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society and continued aid promised to keep Afghan people.
Member countries on Tuesday adopted the New Delhi Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Notably, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit concluded under India’s chairmanship on Tuesday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually chaired the meeting of heads of state.
SCO member states called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan and stated that “the grouping considers it necessary to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups in Afghan society.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the SCO summit, said, “The situation in Afghanistan has a direct impact on the security of all of us. India’s concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan are similar to those of most SCO countries. must come together” for the good of the people of Afghanistan.
“Our shared priorities are humanitarian assistance to Afghan civilians; forming an inclusive government; fighting terrorism and drug trafficking; and ensuring the rights of women, children and minorities,” he said.
“India and the people of Afghanistan enjoy centuries-old friendly relations. Over the past two decades, we have contributed to the economic and social development of Afghanistan. Even after the events of 2021, we continued to provide humanitarian assistance.” PM Modi further said.
“The Member States believe that one of the most important factors in maintaining and strengthening security and stability within the SCO region is an early resolution of the situation in Afghanistan. They wish Afghanistan an independent, neutral, united, democratic and peaceful We advocate making the country a “state free of terrorism, war and drugs,” the joint declaration said.
They also stressed the importance of long-term hospitality and effective assistance provided by Afghanistan’s regional and neighboring countries to Afghan refugees. Member States value the proactive efforts of the international community to facilitate their dignified, safe and sustainable return to their homeland.
However, “the Member States emphasized the historical significance of the entry of the Islamic Republic of Iran into the SCO as a full member state. They also noted the importance of the signing of the Memorandum of Obligations by the Republic of Belarus to obtain the status of a SCO member states,” the release said.
The Member States highly appreciated the results of India’s Chairmanship of the SCO in 2022-2023, which has contributed to the further development of multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation.
“They called for greater effectiveness of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a major forum for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the rules of the multilateral trading system,” the official release said. However, they stressed the need for an early implementation of the organization’s inclusive reform, focusing on the issues of its development and adaptation to modern economic realities, as well as on the effective implementation of the functions of monitoring, negotiating and settling disputes Insisted.
Member States reaffirm the importance of further improving the global economic governance architecture and will continue to advocate for an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the principles and rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and strengthen it. ,
It will promote the development of an open world economy, ensure equal market access, and oppose protectionist measures and trade restrictions contrary to WTO principles that undermine the multilateral trading system and threaten the global economy.
He later emphasized that the unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those approved by the UN Security Council is inconsistent with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations.
“Reaffirming their support for China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) initiative, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan agreed to jointly implement the project. took note of the ongoing work, including efforts to link the Eurasian Economic Union and the creation of the BRI,” the release said.
However, he spoke in favor of implementing a roadmap for a gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements by interested member states.
Furthermore, the world today is undergoing unprecedented changes and is entering a new era of rapid technological development that requires increased effectiveness of global institutions.
Therefore, new approaches are needed to foster more equitable and effective international cooperation in the face of a growing technological and digital divide, continued turmoil in global financial markets, a global reduction in investment flows, instability of supply chains, increased protectionist measures and There are other barriers to international. Trade, the consequences of global climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are increasing volatility and uncertainty in the global economy and creating additional challenges for economic growth, maintaining social well-being, ensuring food and energy security, as well as implementation Are. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Furthermore, based on the closeness of the assessment of the current regional and international agenda, the Member States may contribute their efforts towards the formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on the universally recognized principles of international law, multilateralism, equality Confirm commitment. United, indivisible, comprehensive and sustainable security, cultural and civilizational diversity, mutually beneficial and equal cooperation of states with the central coordinating role of the United Nations.
“Member States affirm that the SCO is not directed against other states and international organizations and to cooperate comprehensively with them in accordance with the goals and principles of the United Nations Charter, the SCO Charter and international law, based on consideration of mutual interests.” Open common approach to solving regional and global problems,” the release noted.
In accordance with the principles of the SCO Charter, member states adopt a policy that excludes factional, ideological and confrontational approaches to solving international and regional development problems, combating traditional and non-traditional security challenges and threats.
They reaffirm the relevance of the initiative to promote cooperation in building a new type of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as in the formation of a common vision of creating a common community . the destiny of humanity.
The communique states, “Member States advocate respect for the right of peoples to free and democratic choice of their political and socio-economic development paths, stressing that the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states The principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs and non-use of force or threat of use of force are the basis for the sustainable development of international relations. They are developed between countries through dialogue and consultation. Reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful resolution of disagreements and disputes.”
The member states intend to develop cooperation in the fields of politics and security, trade, economy, finance and investment, and cultural and humanitarian relations, in order to build a peaceful, secure, prosperous and eco-friendly planet Earth, leading to harmonious co- existence can be attained. Man and Nature.
They consider it important to build up joint coordinated efforts by the international community to combat the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups, paying special attention to preventing the spread of ideas of religious intolerance, aggressive nationalism, ethnic and racial discrimination, xenophobia, fascism Let’s agree. and chauvinism.
“Reaffirming their commitment to peace, joint development and equal relations based on the principles of mutual respect, friendship and good-neighbourhood, the Member States will continue constructive dialogue based on trust, deepen effective multilateral cooperation, strengthen security Will make every effort to do so.” and ensure stability and sustainable development in the SCO region,” the release said.
Furthermore, the member states regard Central Asia as the center of the SCO and support the efforts of the countries in the region to ensure prosperity and peace, sustainable development and building a space of good-neighbourhood, trust and friendship.
They also intend to broaden and deepen cooperation for sustainable socio-economic development and improve the well-being and living standards of the people in the SCO region.
“They consider it important to ensure the implementation of the SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030, adopted by interested Member States, and other joint programs and projects aimed at promoting cooperation in priority areas such as the digital economy, high technology and innovation, new construction and modernization existing international routes for road and rail transport, multimodal transport corridors and logistics hubs, finance and investment, energy and food security, reliable, flexible and diverse supply chains, industrial cooperation and intra-regional linkages,” according to the release.
However, they strengthen cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, health, disaster management as well as tourism, sports and people-to-people contacts, especially among women and youth, through institutions of public diplomacy, cultural centers and intend to do. Media.
Member countries agreed to declare 2024 as the SCO Environment Year and noted the importance of cooperation in the field of environmental protection, ecological security and prevention of the negative consequences of climate change, especially the development of protected nature reserves and eco-tourism.
In addition, the chairmanship of the SCO for the upcoming term is assigned to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The next meeting of the Heads of State of the SCO Council will be held in Kazakhstan in 2024.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV Staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)