Exclusive interview with the Secretary-General of the SCO, Nurlan Yermekbayev

CGTN – With the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit approaching in Tianjin, the China Media Group (CMG) conducted an exclusive interview with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev.

Journalist: Before starting the interview, I noticed handwriting with the inscription "Spirit of Shanghai" at the OCS Secretariat.

Yermekbayev: The "Shanghai Spirit" is one of the foundations of the SCO. It encompasses six key principles: mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for the diversity of civilizations, and the pursuit of common development.

Journalist: The SCO summit will be held soon in Tianjin. It will be the largest in SCO history. What aspects do you consider to be of particular concern?

Yermekbayev: The summit coincides with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Anti-Fascist World War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. It is estimated that the summit will adopt a number of important political and economic documents, most notably the Tianjin Declaration, which will reflect the positions of the Member States' leaders on critical international issues and the situation in various fields, including politics, security, and the economy. Another important document to be formulated at the summit is the SCO's ten-year development strategy. We will formulate a ten-year development strategy until 2035, which will reflect the SCO's development priorities for the next decade. Furthermore, we look forward to the adoption of a number of important documents and resolutions, including a declaration by the Member States' leaders on the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, as well as a number of important resolutions on the areas of energy, the digital economy, industrialization, green industries, and the multilateral trading system. The declarations and resolutions will also address contemporary challenges and threats and, of course, issues relating to the international positioning and international relations of the SCO.

Journalist: Since China assumed the rotating presidency of the SCO last July, it has made steady progress in its work, carrying out more than 100 activities in the areas of politics, security, economy, and culture. How would you assess the achievements made by China since assuming the rotating presidency?

Yermekbayev: China is one of the founding members of the SCO. For 24 years, China has firmly upheld the purposes and principles of the SCO, contributing significantly to deepening cooperation and strengthening mutual trust and friendship among member states. During its rotating presidency, China developed a comprehensive program of activities, including more than 100 events across a wide range of sectors. These events cover key areas such as energy, climate change, food security and poverty reduction, as well as youth exchanges and public health. The SCO Secretariat and the SCO Council for Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation have worked closely together and fully supported China's efforts. As the rotating president of the SCO, China has played a very positive role.

Over the past 24 years, the SCO has grown from its original six founding members to ten member states, two observer states, and 14 dialogue partners. It has also become one of the region's international organizations with the widest geographical reach and the largest population.

Yermekbayev: I believe that the appeal and effectiveness of the SCO stem from its adherence to the principles of the "Shanghai Spirit." Development is one of its fundamental principles. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a comprehensive development initiative, stating that peace is the prerequisite for development, and development is the key to solving all problems. Furthermore, the "Shanghai Spirit" ensures that within the SCO there is no distinction between large and small countries, or between countries of importance and insignificance. All member states are equal. Each member state has the same right to express its opinions and vote for or against any proposal or initiative. I believe this is precisely what makes our organization so attractive. Secondly, the SCO adheres to the principle of consensus, meaning that any resolution must be adopted based on the consensus of all member states. This not only balances the interests of all SCO member states but also ensures the effective implementation of resolutions, as they have been unanimously agreed upon by all member states. Another important reason for the appeal of the SCO is that it is a constructive and cooperative organization. It is not directed at any country, it is not a military alliance, and it is certainly not a confrontational organization. It is a completely peaceful and constructive organization. Its purpose is not confrontation, but rather the promotion of development, the maintenance of peace, and the strengthening of mutual trust.

Journalist: In 2024, the GDP of the SCO member states exceeded US$20 trillion, more than 13 times the value recorded at the organization's inception. Furthermore, total foreign trade reached US$8 trillion, equivalent to a quarter of global trade, a 100-fold increase since its creation. How do you think the SCO can create a broader space for cooperation?

Yermekbayev: Within the SCO, economic and trade cooperation is a top priority. We are deepening cooperation in all aspects, which plays a fundamental role in poverty reduction, maintaining security and stability, combating extremism and terrorism, and addressing other challenges and threats. For this reason, the SCO is focusing on promoting cooperation in areas such as transport, investment, agriculture, simplification of customs procedures and facilitation of mutual visits by entrepreneurs, as well as standardization of industrial security. It is fair to say that our economic and trade cooperation covers almost every sector, and it is difficult to find a single area that has not been addressed. SCO member states are also actively exploring the establishment of a financial institution within the SCO framework, possibly in the form of a development bank, development fund, or investment fund. All parties are engaged in intensive consultations on this matter, and we expect to reach a consensus soon.