Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has fallen on a dynamic period, fraught with various events and trends thus far unpredictable and unknown.

 

The modern system of international cooperation, based on universal principles and norms, begins to falter. One of the main reasons for this is a deep crisis of trust at a global level, which, in turn, provokes a geopolitical confrontation and the risk of reviving the bloc thinking stereotypes. This process of mutual alienation complicates the return of the world economy to its former course of development and the restoration of global supply chains.

 

The ongoing armed conflicts in different parts of the world destabilize trade and investment flows, and exacerbate the problems of ensuring food and energy security.

 

Along with this, global climate shocks, growing scarcity of natural and water resources, decline in biodiversity, and the spread of dangerous infectious diseases have exposed the vulnerability of our societies as never before. They lead to destruction of existential common goods, threatening the basis of people’s life and reducing sources of income.

 

In these circumstances, it is obvious that no country alone can hope to avoid or cope with these global risks and challenges.

 

There is only one way out of the dangerous spiral of problems in an interconnected world where we all live today: through a constructive dialogue and multilateral cooperation based on consideration and respect in everyone’s interest.

 

Effective international cooperation makes the world more stable, predictable and prosperous. This is the most viable, accessible and closest way to solving common contemporary problems, as well as a universal insurance policy against future challenges and shocks.

 

A model of successful regional cooperation

 

International cooperation that benefits all is impossible without multilateral institutions. Despite certain shortcomings, they continue to serve as the most important agents of interaction between countries. International and regional organizations help countries overcome differences and strengthen mutual understanding, develop political and economic cooperation, expand trade, and stimulate cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Afghanistan, which has played for centuries the role of a buffer in the historical confrontations of global and regional powers, should try on a new peaceful mission of connecting Central and South Asia.

SCO promotes multifaceted cooperation through ensuring regional security. The economic value of the SCO is enhanced by the self-sufficiency of its space, where there are dynamically developing economies with huge human, intellectual and technological potential, and large volumes of unused natural resources.

 

Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of SCO is a logical continuation of an active and open foreign policy course that has been pursued by our country in the last six years, embodied, above all, in Central Asia, the geographical core of SCO, where positive and irreversible processes of strengthening good neighborliness and cooperation are now taking place.

 

It is important and necessary for the SCO to share its success story with Afghanistan. This country is an integral part of the larger SCO space. The Afghan people need good neighbors and their support now more than ever. It is our moral obligation to extend a helping hand, to offer them effective ways of overcoming the years-long crisis by promoting socio-economic growth of the country, its integration into regional and global development processes. 

 

Afghanistan, which has played for centuries the role of a buffer in the historical confrontations of global and regional powers, should try on a new peaceful mission of connecting Central and South Asia.

 

Samarkand spirit

 

After a three-year pandemic pause that has caused serious disruption in trade, economic and industrial ties, the countries and peoples of the SCO need to communicate directly.

 

The ancient city of Samarkand, the jewel of the Great Silk Road, is ready to welcome the leaders of fourteen countries with new breakthrough proposals and initiatives designed to serve for good and prosperity of the SCO and each of its members.

 

For many centuries, this city has been threading together countries from Europe to China, merging North and South, East and West into a single node.

 

The integrity and interconnectivity of mankind are such that most challenges require joint work not only at a regional level, but also in the global arena.

 

Relying on the experience of our many years of joint work, we are confident that the Samarkand SCO summit (to be held on September 15–16) will set an example for how we can launch a new, inclusive dialogue based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and constructive cooperation for the sake of common security and prosperity.

 

Historically, the world looked upon from Samarkand has been seen as single and indivisible, rather than fragmented. This is indeed the essence of the “Samarkand spirit”, which can serve as the basis for a fundamentally new format of international interaction, including within SCO.

 

 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev is president of the Republic of Uzbekistan.