ASTANA CENTER OF REGIONAL DIPLOMACY: AN OVERVIEW OF THE PRIORITIES OF KAZAKHSTAN’S CHAIRMANSHIP IN THE SCO

Abstract

Since its establishment in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has always adhered to the “Shanghai spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of joint development, and continues to strengthen political mutual trust, expand good-neighborly and friendly relations, jointly protect regional security and develop practical cooperation, which It contributes to the constant growth of its influence, cohesion and attractiveness.

Kazakhstan paid great attention to the development of intraregional and transcontinental transport connectivity, which gives a powerful impetus to the expansion of trade and economic ties in Eurasia. Astana attracts a lot of attention to the integration of the Chinese initiative Belt and Road and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, as well as the implementation of regional infrastructure projects in the SCO. Also, Kazakhstan proposed to create a Partner network of large strategic ports and logistics centers.

Kazakhstan’s initiative to adopt the document “On World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony”, which laid down the principles of strengthening confidence-building measures, maintaining stability and security at the global level. In addition, the SCO's traditional task of combating the “three forces of evil” and transnational crime remains in the focus of the chairmanship. Additionally, Kazakhstan's proposals include updated Cooperation Programs on countering terrorism, separatism and extremism for 2025-2027 and the adoption of the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029 and an Action Program for its implementation.

Today, the SCO is a trans–regional international organization with the largest coverage area and the largest population in the world. This article analyzes the main decisions taken at the meeting of the Council of Heads of SCO Member States under the chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO Member States under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2023-2024.