Photo: mir24.tv
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed holding an annual “SCO Invest” forum with participation from the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and their partners. Uzbekistan is ready to host the first such event next year, the president’s press service reported.
According to Mirziyoyev, launching an effective platform for business dialogue is important for consolidating efforts to remove trade barriers, harmonize standards, and promote industrial cooperation and innovation.
He also emphasized the development of transport corridors, noting the significance of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project. In the future, connecting this route with the Trans-Afghan corridor would help create a unified logistics network across the SCO region, the president said.
Mirziyoyev highlighted the organization’s significant scientific and technological potential, capable of boosting areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, bioengineering, and alternative energy. As a practical step, he proposed creating a network of SCO innovation and technology hubs for idea generation and technology transfer.
In the humanitarian and cultural sphere, he suggested establishing a Cultural Dialogue of the Great Silk Road. He also invited partners to upcoming UNESCO General Conference events in Samarkand this fall, which will showcase the region’s unique historical heritage.
Regarding security, the president welcomed the launch of the Universal Center for Countering Security Threats under the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in Tashkent and the Anti-Narcotics Center in Dushanbe. He proposed holding the first expert “SCO Plus Security Dialogue” in Uzbekistan’s capital next year.
Mirziyoyev stressed the symbolism of the summit taking place in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
“This is not only an important historical milestone but also a reminder: peace is not given once and for all; it must be constantly protected and strengthened,” he said.
He expressed concern over the situation in the Gaza Strip, hoping for a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the “two states for two peoples” principle.
According to the president, the “SCO Plus” format, reflecting openness and multilateralism, is increasingly serving as a platform for constructive dialogue.
“In an unpredictable international environment, the SCO is one of the strong pillars ensuring a stable and just world order,” Mirziyoyev concluded.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an international alliance of Asian states addressing economic partnership, security, and countering extremism and terrorism.
Its members include India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. SCO observers and partner countries include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others.
