The SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) is an intergovernmental organization founded on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China. It serves as a platform for cooperation among its eight member states, which include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. The primary goal of the SCO is to enhance mutual trust, cooperation, and coordination between its members to foster regional stability, security, and development.
The SCO operates under the principles of the UN Charter and the "Shanghai Spirit," which includes mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, respect for cultural diversity, and a desire for joint development. It engages in various forms of multilateral cooperation such as political, economic, and security-related affairs.
Politically, the SCO focuses on enhancing political dialogue and resolving disputes through peaceful means. Economically, it aims to promote trade, investment, and transportation connectivity among member states while fostering economic development. On the security front, the SCO cooperates on counter-terrorism, countering extremism, and maintaining regional peace and stability.
The organization holds annual summits, where leaders discuss and make decisions on important matters. It also conducts numerous meetings, conferences, and joint military exercises to enhance collaboration among its members. Additionally, the SCO maintains observer states and dialogue partners, expanding its influence beyond its founding members.
Overall, the SCO represents an important mechanism for regional cooperation among the countries of Eurasia, facilitating dialogue, economic integration, and collective security for its member states.
