Bishkek, April 7, 2026 /Kabar/. Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev said Kyrgyzstan views its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2025–2026 as a major historical responsibility rather than a formal role.
“Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship of the SCO is not a formality, but an important historical task and a great responsibility. We will hold more than 30 major events, covering issues from security to digitalization,” Kulubaev said in an interview with Anadolu, while outlining the country’s priorities and the progress of preparations.
He noted that Kyrgyzstan is opening a new chapter in the history of the SCO.
“This is not only an important administrative responsibility, but also a reflection of the special trust our partners have placed in us, as well as our country’s constructive role in strengthening regional unity,” he said.
Together for Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev emphasized that Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) coincides with the 25th anniversary of the organization, giving its activities both continuity and a forward-looking vision.
He noted that the theme of Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship has been defined as: “25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity.”
“This theme reflects Kyrgyzstan’s sincere desire to strengthen this unique multilateral partnership. The SCO is not only an international organization, but also an important factor in ensuring regional stability,” Kulubaev said.
According to him, more than 30 major events are planned within the framework of the chairmanship, covering a wide range of areas from security to digitalization.
"We will hold more than 30 events, ranging from security to digitalization, from investment to youth policy. This extensive agenda reflects the transformation of the SCO. The organization has ceased to be simply a platform for discussion and has become an effective mechanism for the implementation of real multilateral projects. Our goal is to move to the stage of 'practical successes,' when the results of cooperation will be felt in each member country."
Kulbaev also emphasized that promoting environmental responsibility principles is a priority for Kyrgyzstan and stated that cultural events such as the Chingiz Aimatov Issyk-Kol International Forum and the SCO Issyk-Kol International Marathon will also play a special role during this period.
He stated that the 2026 chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be an opportunity to "reboot" creative initiatives and shared potential. Since 2026 marks the organization's 25th anniversary, he expressed confidence that the SCO's potential will be fully utilized for the well-being of member countries through more than 30 events covering a wide range of topics, from security to digitalization.
SCO to Celebrate 25th Anniversary
Kulubaev noted that the SCO was founded on June 15, 2001, and that June 15, 2026, will mark a significant milestone — the 25th anniversary of the organization.
He emphasized during this time SCO has evolved from a regional association into one of the key pillars of the modern system of international relations.
“Looking back at the journey from the first meeting of the ‘Shanghai Five’ to a large family of 10 full-fledged member states, it is clear that the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ has become more than just a slogan — it is a genuine driving force,” Kulubaev said.
“This anniversary confirms the most important thing: our union has stood the test of time. Today, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has demonstrated its ability to unite regions in the name of peace and shared success. The SCO has become not only a platform for dialogue, but also an effective mechanism for implementing multilateral projects,” he added.
Kyrgyzstan Facilitates the Establishment of the International Center for Combating Organized Crime in Bishkek
Kulubaev noted that the SCO’s security concept is based not on the creation of a military bloc, but on the principle of mutual trust, and outlined Kyrgyzstan’s priorities in this area.
“In the context of global instability, our primary task is to strengthen confidence-building measures, based on the understanding that sustainable development is only possible in an atmosphere of mutual respect and security,” he said.
According to the minister, a key instrument in this field is the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), established within the SCO framework at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan to combat terrorism and other threats.
We view strengthening the capacity of this structure as a crucial element of the regional security architecture. Furthermore, given the increasing sophistication of organized crime, Kyrgyzstan is supporting the establishment of the International Center for Combating Organized Crime in Bishkek. Given the growing complexity of organized crime, the creation of this center is particularly important," he said.
Kulubaev also highlighted digital development as a priority of Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship.
"In particular, deepening cooperation in e-commerce is a crucial tool for bridging the technological divide between developed and developing countries." We strive to ensure equal access for all segments of society to the benefits of digital transformation. In this way, we will contribute to the development of a more just, inclusive, and balanced global economic system," he said.
What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?
According to information posted on the SCO's official website, it currently unites 10 member states, covering a territory of 36 million square kilometers and comprising over 3.4 billion people.
This organization's influence in the global economy is growing daily: it accounts for approximately a quarter of global GDP and over 15% of international trade.
The SCO's foundation was laid on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai with the participation of the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Beginning with six members, the organization has grown into a larger family with the accession of India and Pakistan in 2017, Iran in 2023, and Belarus in 2024.
The organization's priority goals include strengthening mutual trust, friendship, and good-neighborly relations, jointly countering new threats, promoting effective and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and facilitating economic growth and social and cultural development.
Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status within the SCO. Fifteen countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Laos, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka, maintain strategic ties with the organization as dialogue partners.
At the end of August, Kyrgyzstan will host a summit of SCO member state leaders.