Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

On 1 November 2022, the twenty-first meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (hereinafter – the SCO or Organization) was held in a video conference format. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of India S. Jaishankar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan A.A. Smailov, Prime Minister of State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic A.U. Japarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan B.B. Zardari, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation M.V. Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan K. Rasulzoda and Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan A.N. Aripov participated in it. Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang chaired the meeting. SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Executive Committee R.E. Mirzaev, Chairman of the Board of the SCO Business Council D.A. Vakhabov, Chairman of the Council of the SCO Interbank Association A.K. Mirsoatov attended the meeting. High representatives of the SCO Observer States: Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus R.A.Golovchenko, First Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran M. Mokhber, Prime Minister of Mongolia L. Oyun-Erdene, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan H. Geldymuradov as the chairing Side's guest, as well as Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific A.S. Alishakhbana, Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission M.V. Myasnikovich, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization H. Noziri, Deputy Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia Chi Fang, Deputy Chairman of Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States I.T. Nematov. In a friendly, constructive and businesslike atmosphere, the Heads of delegations exchanged their opinions regarding key issues of world and regional development, discussed the priority measures to strengthen trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation within the SCO. The Heads of delegations highly appreciated the Republic of Uzbekistan chairmanship in the SCO in 2021-2022 and called for active implementation of the outcomes of the meeting of the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States (CHS) (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations expressed their support for the Republic of India's chairmanship in the Organization in 2022-2023. The Heads of delegations stated that today the world is entering a new era of rapid development and large-scale transformations. These fundamental processes are accompanied by strengthening greater interconnectedness, and acceleration of informatization and digitalization. In this regard, based on the proximity or coincidence of assessments of the current regional and international agenda, the Member States confirmed their commitment to formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order based on the universally recognized principles of the international law, multilateralism, equal, joint, indivisible, comprehensive and sustainable security, cultural and civilizational diversity, mutually beneficial and equal cooperation of states with a central coordinating role of the UN. The Heads of delegations emphasized that in accordance with the SCO Charter principles, the Member States adhere to a line that excludes block, ideological and confrontational approaches to solving the problems of international and regional development, countering traditional and non-traditional security challenges and threats. Taking into account the Member States' opinions, they confirmed relevance of the initiatives to promote interaction in building the new-type international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as formation of a common vision of the idea of creating a community of a common destiny for mankind. The Heads of delegations stressed out that the Member States would continue making efforts to achieve the goals and adhere to the SCO Charter principles, develop cooperation in the areas of politics and security, infrastructure, trade, economy, finance and investment, cultural and humanitarian ties in order to build a peaceful, secure, prosperous and environmentally friendly planet Earth, achieving harmonious coexistence of human and nature. The Heads of delegations confirmed that the SCO Member States considered it important to further improve the architecture of global economic governance and will consistently advocate and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and rules, promote the development of an open world economy, oppose protectionist actions and trade restrictions that contrary to the WTO principles, undermine the multilateral trading system and threaten the global economy. They stressed that unilateral application of economic sanctions other than those adopted by the UN Security Council is incompatible with the international law principles and has a negative impact on the third countries and international economic relations. The Heads of delegations reaffirmed that the SCO is in favour of increasing effectiveness of the WTO as a key platform for discussing the international trade agenda and adopting the multilateral trading system rules. They emphasized the need for early implementation of an inclusive reform of the organization, focusing on the issues of its development and adaptation to modern economic realities, as well as effective implementation of monitoring, negotiation and dispute settlement functions. The Heads of delegations emphasized the SCO Member States' position in favour of encouraging regional economic cooperation in various forms, promoting the creation of favorable conditions for trade and investment in order to gradually implement the free movement of goods, capital, services and technologies. Reaffirming their support for China's "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) initiative, the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan and Republic of Uzbekistan noted the ongoing work to jointly implement this project, including efforts to link the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union and BRI. The Heads of delegations consider it important to use potentials of the countries in the region, international organizations and multilateral associations in the interests of forming a wide, open, mutually beneficial and equal interaction in Eurasia under the norms of international law and taking into account the national interests. In this regard, the Heads of delegations noted the idea of creating the Greater Eurasian Partnership involving the SCO countries, Eurasian Economic Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as other concerned states and multilateral associations. The Heads of delegations emphasized the need of consistent implementation of the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of the SCO Member States and Action Plan for its implementation. They are in favour of expanding and deepening cooperation in financial, investment, industrial, transport, energy, agricultural and other areas, in the interests of sustainable socio-economic development in the SCO region. The Heads of delegations stressed out the need to execute the 2021-2025 Action Plan for implementation of the SCO Development Strategy until 2025 (Moscow, 10 November 2020). They welcomed adoption of the 2023-2027 Comprehensive Plan for implementation of provisions of the Agreement on Long-Term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation of the SCO Member States (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Tajikistan's proposal to develop the Strategy for Economic Development in the SCO Region until 2030. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the twenty-first Session of Ministers of the SCO Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities of Economy and Trade of the SCO Member States (28 September 2022 in a video conference format). The Heads of delegations consider it necessary to ensure implementation of Joint Statement by Heads of the SCO Member States on Trade Facilitation (Qingdao, 10 June 2018), as well as to develop practical measures to build reliable, sustainable and diversified supply chains, develop trade in services and intra-regional trade in accordance with the SCO CHS statements and other documents adopted during the Samarkand Summit. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the SCO Economic Forum (Tashkent, 16-17 August 2022) and regular meeting of the SCO Consortium of Economic Analysis Centers (22 September 2022, in a video conference format). They were in favour of further promoting the activities of these formats in the interests of deepening trade and economic cooperation between the SCO Member States, studying the state of and prospects for the development of multilateral cooperation within the Organization. The Heads of delegations stressed that development of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises is essential for promoting economic growth and increasing employment. They called for further practical cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding on stimulating cooperation in micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises within the SCO (Qingdao, 10 June 2018). The Heads of delegations spoke in favour of regularly holding of the Startup Forum and Innovation Competition within the SCO to promote development of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. The Heads of delegations were in favour of deepening interaction in the field of digital economy and digital technologies to ensure inclusive economic growth of the SCO Member States to achieve goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. While noting the outcome of the Session of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of the SCO Member States responsible for the development of information technologies (Tashkent, 25 November 2021), they consider it important to execute the Action Plan to implement the Concept of Cooperation between the SCO Member States in Digitalization and Information and Communication technologies (Bishkek, 14 June 2019). The Heads of delegations noted that the creative economy could become one component for developing the Sides' innovative potential. They consider that supporting creative industries will contribute to the competitiveness of economies, development of small- and medium-sized businesses and expansion of the employment market in the SCO Member States. Emphasizing the importance of relations between regions of the SCO Member States, the Heads of delegations spoke in favour of consistent implementation of the Program for the Development of Interregional Cooperation of the SCO Member States (Bishkek, 14 June 2019). They noted the outcomes of regular meeting of the Forum of Heads of Regions of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 3-4 August 2022) and spoke in favour of building up cooperation within this mechanism, as well as on the platform of the China-SCO demonstration zone of regional trade and economic cooperation and other similar formats. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to establish an Alliance of Special Economic Zones of the SCO countries and to hold a meeting of Heads of administrations of special economic zones in Samarkand in 2023. The Heads of delegations stressed the need to provide financial support for project activities in order to unlock to the full extent the Organization's investment potential and, in this regard, continue consultations on the establishment of the SCO Development Bank and SCO Development Fund (Special Account). They noted adoption by the concerned SCO Member States of the Roadmap on gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements between the SCO Member States (Samarkand, 16 September 2022) and spoke in favour of expanding this practice. The Heads of delegations gave a positive assessment of contribution of the SCO Business Council and SCO Interbank Association to the development of economic cooperation within the Organization. They took into account the outcomes of the meetings of the Council of Interbank Association (Tashkent, 23 August 2022) and Business Council Board (Tashkent, 14 September 2022) and advocated effective implementation of the provisions of the Joint Action Plan of the SCO Interbank Association Member Banks to support and develop the SCO intraregional economic cooperation for the medium term (2022-2027), List of main activities of the SCO Business Council for 2022-2023 and Framework Principles on Financial Interaction and Cooperation between the SCO Interbank Association Member Banks. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to hold the Great SCO Trade Fair with the creation of a single electronic platform on its basis, as well as the Week of Business Partnership of Regions of the SCO Member States in 2023 in Uzbekistan. Speaking in favour of further development of cooperation in industry and industrial cooperation, the Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Industry Ministers of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 15 July 2022) and opening of the Uzbekistan-SCO Industrial Zone. They stressed out the need for consistent implementation of the Program on Stimulating Industrial Cooperation between the Business Circles of the SCO Member States (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to launch a large-format New economic dialogue of the SCO. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Tajikistan's proposal to create the Industrial Investment Projects Data Bank of the SCO Member States. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Tajikistan's proposal to develop the Regulations on the organization of congress and exhibition events in industry within the SCO. Speaking in favour of further development of cooperation between customs services of the SCO Member States, the Heads of delegations noted that electronic exchange of information about the goods and vehicles transported across the customs border, protection of intellectual property rights, cooperation in the development and application of a risk management system and the fight against customs offenses are necessary steps to deepen cooperation in the customs area. In this regard, they consider it important to continue consultations on the establishment of a mechanism for meetings of Heads of customs services of the SCO Member States. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Heads of agencies of the SCO Member States responsible for plant quarantine (Tashkent, 17 May 2022) and called the need for practical implementation of the Agreement between Authorized Bodies of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Plant Quarantine (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations noted a growing role of digitalization and innovative technologies in promoting economic growth and sustainable development in the SCO region. They stressed the need to implement the Concept of Cooperation between the SCO Member States in Digitalization and Information and Communication Technologies (Bishkek, 14 June 2019), Statement by the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States on Strengthening Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021), Concept of Creating a Pool of Technology Parks (Nur-Sultan, 25 November 2021), and Program for Cooperation between Authorized Bodies of the SCO Member States on Digital Literacy Development (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations consider it important to strengthen mutual coordination and cooperation, use digital economy and scientific and technological innovations to create new impulses for the development of the Member States, as well as to increase economic competitiveness and development potential in the region. They opposed discriminatory measures under any pretexts that hinder the development of the digital economy and communication technologies. The Heads of delegations believe that in the context of novel coronavirus infection pandemic, e-commerce is of great significance for development of the economy, increasing employment and improving the well-being of people. They supported the activities of the Special Working Group on Electronic Commerce, in particular, to increase the level of development of electronic commerce in the region and promote economic growth within the SCO. In this regard, the Heads of delegations noted the online presentation of the experience of streaming trade in traditional goods of the SCO countries (10 January – 7 February 2022, in a video conference format) and the seminar on the development of electronic commerce (20-24 June 2022, in a video conference format). The Heads of delegations consider it necessary to take measures to implement agreements of the SCO Member States on establishment of the Special Working Group on Startups and Innovations, Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine, Special Working Group on Combating Poverty (Samarkand, 16 September 2022) and early launching the activities of these groups. Taking into account that the fight against poverty plays an important role in ensuring prosperity, security and stability in the region, the Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the meeting of Heads of Agencies of the SCO Member States on Poverty Reduction (Tashkent, 28 January 2022) and International Forum on Poverty Reduction (Bukhara, 26-27 May 2022). The Heads of delegations confirmed the intention of the Member States to make effective use of the SCO transit potential, the formation of regional transport and transit corridors, and the implementation of major projects that contribute to strengthening transport connectivity in the Organization's space. They consider it important to create new and modernize existing international routes for road and rail transportation, multimodal transport corridors and logistics centers, as well as introduction of digital, innovative and energy-saving technologies, optimization of cross-border procedures in accordance with the best international practices, as well as implementation of joint infrastructure projects, ensuring mutually beneficial use of the SCO Member States' transit potential. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to hold the SCO Transport Forum in 2023 in Uzbekistan. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the ninth Session of Transport Ministers of the SCO Member States (Khiva, 12 May 2022). They noted the importance of the Concept of Cooperation between the SCO Member States on the Development of Interconnectedness and Creation of Effective Transport Corridors (Samarkand, 16 September 2022) approved by the CHS Decision and the need for its implementation. The Heads of delegations stressed that approaches of the concerned SCO Member States to the issues of accelerating economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, further deepening regional economic cooperation and unblocking international production and supply chains are stated in the Statement on Ensuring Reliable, Sustainable and Diversified Supply Chains. They noted the importance of consistent implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Creating Favourable Conditions for International Road Transport (Dushanbe, 12 September 2014) and regular holding of meetings of the Joint Commission on creation of favorable conditions for international road transport. The Heads of delegations confirmed the SCO Member States' intention to continue developing cooperation between railway administrations under the Concept of Interaction between Railway Administrations (Railways) of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 2 November 2019). They noted the Kyrgyz Republic's proposal to develop an Action Plan for implementation of the mentioned Concept. The Member States advocate further development of modern logistics centers and jointly take measures to coordinate and promote integration of railway infrastructure, link policies and regulations, scientific and technological innovation and capacity building, study of specific measures to increase the number of international intermodal container trains and further promote the safe, stable and quality development of rail transport. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to establish the Interregional Center for Interconnection in Tashkent with the support of the UN. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Energy Ministers of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 24 June 2022) and stressed the need for practical implementation of the Concept of Cooperation between the SCO Member States in Energy Sector (Dushanbe, 12 August 2021) and corresponding Action Plan (Tashkent, 24 June 2022), as well as the Statement by the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States on Ensuring International Energy Security and Program of Cooperation between Authorized Bodies of the SCO Member States in Using the Renewable Energy Sources (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Kazakhstan's proposal to develop the SCO Energy Strategy. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Agriculture Ministers of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 25 July 2022). They stressed that the current situation increases the need for consistent implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Agriculture (Tashkent, 11 June 2010), Program of Cooperation of the SCO Member States on Food Security (Dushanbe, 12 October 2018), SCO CHS Statement on Food Security (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021), SCO CHS Statement on Ensuring Global Food Security (Samarkand, 16 September 2022) and Concept of Interaction between Authorized Bodies of the SCO Member States in "Smart" Agriculture and Agro-Innovations (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). They noted the role of the SCO Demonstration Base for the exchange and training of agricultural technologies in promoting agricultural cooperation within the SCO. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to hold the International SCO Conference on Food Security in Uzbekistan in 2023. The Heads of delegations stressed that novel coronavirus pandemic still has a serious negative impact on the lives, health and well-being of peoples in all countries. The Member States develop fruitful cooperation in healthcare and prevention and control of the spread of infectious diseases in order to counter the threat of epidemics within the SCO. They consider it necessary to consistently implement the Statement by Heads of the SCO Member States on joint counteraction to the epidemics threat within the SCO (Qingdao, 10 June 2018), Comprehensive Joint Action Plan of the SCO Member States on countering the epidemic threats in the region (Moscow, 10 November 2020) and Concept of Cooperation between the Ministries of Health of the SCO Member States in Telemedicine and Roadmap for cooperation between leading medical organizations of the SCO Member States in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Heads of Services of the SCO Member States responsible for ensuring sanitary and epidemiological well-being (St. Petersburg, 9 December 2021) and Session of Health Ministers of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 8 June 2022), as well as the SCO Forum on Traditional Medicine (Tashkent, 7 June 2022). The Heads of delegations noted the Russian Federation's proposal to establish the SCO Medical Association. Noting the importance of environmental protection for economic and social development, the Heads of delegations called for deepening cooperation in the areas of combating climate change, preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, protection and rational use of water resources, promotion of low-carbon technologies and inclusive approaches to the social development of society. They stressed the need to implement the Concept of Cooperation in Environmental Protection of the SCO Member States (Qingdao, 10 June 2018), SCO "Green Belt" Program (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021). While noting the outcomes of the Session of Heads of ministries and agencies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States responsible for environmental issues (27 May 2022, Tashkent), the Heads of delegations spoke in favour of continuing work on preparation of the Program for Creation of the Platform for Exchange of Environmental Protection Information within the SCO. They noted the Republic of Kazakhstan's proposal to form the SCO Register of Environmental Problems. The Heads of delegations emphasize that the support provided by developed countries according to Annex II of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change must be commensurate with the actions taken by developing countries to combat climate change. The provision and mobilization of resources to combat climate change is an obligation of developed countries towards developing countries. The Heads of delegations emphasized that developed countries have not yet met their climate finance commitments, including the mobilization of USD 100 billion per year by 2020. They called on them to fulfill their obligations as soon as possible before Conference of the Sides 27 in order to make a significant contribution to setting a new collective quantitative target for post-2025 climate finance and to assist developing countries in taking actions on climate change in the context of sustainable development. The Heads of delegations confirmed the Member States' commitment to solving the climate change problem and their readiness to actively implement the Statement by Heads of the SCO Member States to Respond to Climate Change to strengthen cooperation in combating and adapting to climate change. They noted the importance of cooperation in environmental protection, ecological safety, prevention of negative consequences of climate change, preservation and use of biodiversity, as well as exchange of experience and latest updates about these issues. The Heads emphasized that the lack of access to a source of safe drinking water, basic sanitation services and healthy hygiene are serious problems of our time. They noted the need to pay increased attention to sustainable development and rational use of water resources. Being convinced of inadmissibility of using the climate Agenda to introduce measures that restrict trade and investment cooperation, the Member States will take efforts to establish an active dialogue with relevant international institutions in order to attract investments and finance joint projects and programs in environmental protection and introduction of new environmentally friendly technologies, and increase the "green" economy share. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of the SCO Member States Responsible for Environmental Protection (Tashkent, 27 May 2022) and a meeting of the Second High-Level Conference on the International Decade "Water for Sustainable Development" 2018-2028 (Dushanbe, 6-9 June 2022), as well as a seminar on the topic: "The SCO Climate Agenda under Modern Conditions” (23 September 2022, in a video conference format) While supporting the Republic of Tajikistan's proposal to declare 2025 the International Year for Preservation of Glaciers, the Heads of delegations noted the initiative to establish the International Glacier Protection Fund by adopting a Resolution of the UN General Assembly. The Heads of delegations noted the Kyrgyz Republic's proposal to develop a draft resolution of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly on the announcement of the "Five years of action for the development of mountain regions" in 2023-2027. The Heads of delegations noted the Republic of Uzbekistan's proposal to establish the SCO Climate Council. The Heads of delegations noted the proposal by the People's Republic of China to create the SCO Innovative Environmental Technologies Base. The Heads of delegations expressed their solidarity with the people of Pakistan affected by the recent unprecedented climate change-related floods. They noted cooperation between the Pakistani Government and the UN in overcoming the consequences of this devastating natural disaster. The Heads of delegations called for further coordination of the SCO Member States' actions to prevent and eliminate the consequences of large-scale and transboundary emergencies, including regular international exercises of the Member States' rescue services to improve the specialists' skills, as well as the use of a multilateral system for coordinating and exchanging information on emergency situations within the SCO to strengthen exchange of information in the field of monitoring and early warning, as well as interaction on the issues of production safety control system and application of relevant legislative and administrative regulations. They supported deepening of cooperation between the SCO and the UN and other international organizations in this area. Emphasizing the need for further development of cooperation in education and science, the Heads of delegations called for consistent implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Education (Shanghai, 15 June 2006). The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Ministers of Science and Technology of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 8 April 2022). They consider it important to implement the Program of Cooperation of the SCO Member States on Artificial Intelligence Development and Action Plan on Scientific and Technical Cooperation in Priority Areas for 2022-2025 (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations consider it necessary to further deepen practical cooperation of the SCO Member States in cultural and humanitarian fields, including through the establishment of new formats of interaction in education, culture, tourism and sports. Emphasizing the importance of preserving and enhancing the unique cultural heritage of the peoples of the SCO Member States, the Heads of delegations highly appreciated the outcomes of the SCO Year of Culture, which included concerts, festivals, competitions, exhibitions, seminars, conferences, forums and other events. They advocated effective implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in the Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021), Regulations on the SCO Tourist and Cultural Capital (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021), Memorandum of Cooperation between educational organizations of higher and secondary vocational education in culture and art of the SCO Member States (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021), Regulations on the Gala Concert of the Arts Festival of the SCO Member States (Dushanbe, 18 August 2021) and Memorandum between Authorized Bodies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States on Cooperation in Museum Affairs (Samarkand, 16 September 2022). The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Session of Culture Ministers of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 19 May 2022), as well as the SCO Member States' initiatives to establish the Alliance of Museums of the SCO Member States, SCO Museum Forum and other cooperation platforms. The Heads of delegations are convinced that public diplomacy helps to strengthen mutual understanding and cultural and humanitarian ties within the SCO. In this regard, they noted contribution to the development of humanitarian cooperation within the SCO of the SCO People's Diplomacy Forum (Tashkent, 11 May 2022), establishment of the "SCO Goodwill Ambassador" honorary title and adoption of relevant Regulations (Samarkand, 16 September 2022), as well as activities of the Chinese Committee for Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, SCO Center for Public Diplomacy in Tashkent, SCO Cultural and Integration Center in Bishkek and SCO Center for Friendship and Cooperation in Dushanbe. The Heads of delegations consider it necessary to continue efficient implementation of the Agreement between authorized bodies of the SCO Member States on cooperation in physical education and sports (Bishkek, 14 June 2019). They noted the outcomes of the Session of Heads of Agencies Responsible for the Development of Physical Education and Sports of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 20 May 2022), as well as the Russian Federation's proposal to establish an Association of Sports Organizations under the auspices of the SCO and establish a Working Group on Physical Education and Sports within the framework of the Session. The Heads of delegations noted the contribution of annual Kunming Marathon (People's Republic of China) and Issyk-Kul Marathon (Kyrgyz Republic) to the development of sports cooperation between the SCO Member States. Emphasizing the women's active role in strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the SCO Member States, the Heads of delegations welcomed the outcomes of the SCO Women's Forum and Meeting of Women Entrepreneurs of the SCO Member States (Tashkent, 18-19 August 2022) in the context of implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Action Platform adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 4-15 September 1995). The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the SCO Youth Council meeting (Tashkent, 9-10 June 2022), as well as the SCO Youth Scientific, Technical and Innovation Forum and SCO Youth Camp (Shenzhen, 31 May - 2 June 2022). They stressed the importance of implementing the Agreement on Cooperation between the SCO Member States in Youth Affairs (Dushanbe, 17 September 2021). The Heads of delegations agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the SCO Member States in tourism. They believe that the announcement the SCO Year of Tourism in 2023 and the city of Varanasi (Republic of India) as the SCO tourist and cultural capital in 2022-2023 will assist in unlocking the potential of cooperation in the field of tourism in the region. The Heads of delegations noted the outcomes of the Meeting of Heads of Tourism Administrations of the SCO Member States and Tourism Forum (Tashkent, 19 and 20 May 2022). The need to implement the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on the Development of Cooperation in Tourism (Samarkand, 16 September 2022), and Joint Action Plan under new conditions for implementation of the Program of Cooperation of the SCO Member States in Tourism for 2022-2023 (Dushanbe, 15 July 2021). The Heads of delegations consider it necessary to develop contacts through the media, press services of government bodies and in the digital space, including through implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Mass Media (Bishkek, 14 June 2019) and Agreement between the Governments of the SCO Member States on Cooperation in Ensuring International Information Security (Yekaterinburg, 16 June 2009). They believe that cooperation of the media in the exchange of opinions and information products, joint broadcasting, technical cooperation and staff training contributes to creation of favourable conditions for wide mutual dissemination of information. The Heads of delegations called for deepening cooperation between the SCO and the UN and its specialized agencies, other international and regional organizations. The Heads of delegations approved the Report of the SCO Secretariat on the events and meetings held as part of implementation of the Program for multilateral trade and economic cooperation of the SCO Member States and the Organization budget for 2023, they also took decisions on a number of issues relating to the financial and organizational activities of the SCO standing bodies. The Heads of delegations expressed their gratitude to the Chinese Side for the high level of organization of the meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments (Prime Ministers) of the SCO Member States. The regular Meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments (Prime Ministers) of the SCO Member States will be held in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2023.

(DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of the Joint Communique. Original document is in Russian language)