Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit adopts final declaration

Following a summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin, the heads of state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted a declaration on strengthening cooperation, including in the military, energy and transport sectors, as well as on joint work in the field of security of AI systems, Deutsche Welle reports.

The SCO leaders also urged the U.N. to adapt to modern political and economic realities and to increase the representation of developing countries in its governing bodies through moderate reforms.

The declaration expressed deep concern over the ongoing escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, strongly condemning actions that have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Additionally, the statement condemned strikes carried out by Israel and the United States on Iranian territory aimed at undermining Iran’s nuclear program.

The document reaffirmed that respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and the rejection of force or the threat of force are the foundation for stable international relations.