SCO IS NOT A MILITARY-POLITICAL BLOC

BISHKEK, SEPTEMBER 1 /SRNA/ - The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation /SCO/ pointed to the difficult international situation caused by conflicts and noted that the development of global missile defense systems harms international security, according to a declaration adopted following the summit in Bishkek, which also stressed that the SCO is not a military-political bloc.

"The difficult international situation caused by ongoing conflicts, energy and food challenges, instability in global markets, and climate change continues to persist," the document published by the Kremlin said.

The SCO stated that the development of global missile defense systems by individual countries or blocs has a negative impact on international security, declaring attempts by certain countries to ensure their own security at the expense of the security of others unacceptable.

"SCO member states support the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector," the declaration said.

It was stressed that the SCO is not directed against other states and that its members are committed to improving and reforming the global economic governance system. The importance of dialogue with the United Nations and its structures in the interests of peace was also emphasised.

The document states that the member states oppose unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to the UN Charter and other norms of international law, rules and principles of the World Trade Organization, measures that harm efforts to ensure international security, including its food, energy and humanitarian components, and harm the global economy.

Earlier, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported that SCO leaders signed a declaration in Bishkek marking the 25th anniversary of the organisation following the summit in the Kyrgyz capital.