Putin Calls for Stronger SCO Cooperation, Trade and Eurasian Security

BISHKEK: Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for stronger economic, political and humanitarian cooperation among members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), describing the grouping as one of the independent and influential centres of the emerging multipolar world.

Addressing the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek on September 1, Putin recalled that the organisation was established in 2001 by Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. He said the SCO had since expanded significantly and developed into the world’s largest regional association in terms of population and economic weight.

According to Putin, SCO member states are home to almost half of the world’s population and account for more than one-third of global GDP. He said cooperation within the organisation was contributing to the sustainable development of member states while promoting peace, stability, trust and cooperation across Eurasia.

Putin expressed confidence that the package of decisions prepared for approval at the Bishkek summit would provide fresh momentum to multifaceted cooperation within the SCO.

The Russian president identified the further expansion of commercial ties among SCO members as a key practical priority, saying stronger trade and investment relations would contribute to socioeconomic growth and improved living standards.

He noted that Russia’s trade with SCO countries exceeded $400 billion in 2025, while the use of national currencies in bilateral settlements continued to increase. In Russia’s transactions with SCO member states, the share of settlements conducted in national currencies has now exceeded 98 percent, Putin said.

He also highlighted the role of the SCO Business Council and Interbank Consortium in supporting joint economic projects. Looking ahead, he said the Development Bank currently being established within the organisation could also contribute to financing such initiatives.

Putin stressed that the proposed bank should remain as independent as possible from financial systems of countries that, in his words, use economic instruments as a means of securing unilateral advantages in international affairs.

Putin also called for a coordinated and balanced energy policy among SCO members in line with the organisation’s Energy Cooperation Strategy through 2030.

He praised the progress made in cultural and humanitarian cooperation, pointing to expanding exchanges in education, healthcare, environmental protection, science and youth affairs.

The Russian president highlighted the SCO University, which brings together more than 100 universities from member countries, as an example of successful cooperation. He also welcomed the organisation’s women’s forums, which focus on strengthening women’s participation in public, political, business and social life.

Referring to the ongoing World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, Putin said representatives of numerous SCO countries were participating in the event, including Russian athletes.

He announced that Russia was ready to host the next World Nomad Games in Kazan in 2028, adding that Moscow would be pleased to welcome teams from interested countries.

Putin also invited cultural and artistic figures from SCO member states to participate in the International United Cultures Forum, scheduled to take place in St Petersburg later in September.

Concluding his address, Putin said the Bishkek summit could help advance multifaceted SCO cooperation in support of security, peaceful development and prosperity throughout Eurasia.

He also referred to the historical significance of September 1, saying it marked the beginning of the Second World War. Putin urged countries to work to prevent the provocation of armed conflicts from becoming an accepted feature of international relations.

He said collective efforts within the SCO could contribute to creating conditions for greater international stability and preventing future conflicts.