Translated with AI
Kyrgyzstan, which will assume the fourth rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2026, will strive to develop the organization's financial mechanisms and contribute to improving its infrastructure. These priorities were outlined by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, commenting on Kyrgyzstan's assumption of the SCO presidency, TASS reports.
"Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship will be held under the slogan '25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity,'" Japarov said. "The priority will be realizing the potential of economic cooperation. In this context, Kyrgyzstan proposes accelerating the establishment of an effective financial mechanism for the organization, including the creation of an SCO Development Bank, a Development Fund, and an Investment Fund, thereby promoting regional economic integration."
Furthermore, the Kyrgyz side proposes paying close attention to transport, logistics, and infrastructure issues. According to the president, the Kyrgyz chairmanship "proposes developing multilateral cooperation to create favorable conditions for international road and rail transport, including the creation of new transport routes and the effective use of the transit and transport potential of SCO member states."
In 2026, Bishkek will continue to strengthen collective efforts to counter threats and challenges to the security of SCO member states. This primarily concerns "countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism." Japarov is confident that in this regard, the Center for Combating Transnational Organized Crime, established in Bishkek at the initiative of Kyrgyzstan, will make a significant contribution to the common cause of combating the illegal activities of international organized crime groups in the SCO region.
Kyrgyzstan also proposes that SCO countries intensify cooperation in combating climate change and the green economy by expanding joint green projects, as the consequences of climate change have become a reality rather than an abstract threat.
Japarov assured that during its chairmanship, Kyrgyzstan will propose hosting an SCO Youth Digital Forum and is ready to contribute to the implementation of joint initiatives aimed at digital transformation within the organization. He invited cultural and sports delegations from SCO member states to participate in the next World Nomad Games, which will be held in the republic in the fall of 2026. He also recalled that Cholpon-Ata, located on the shores of Kyrgyzstan's resort lake Issyk-Kul, has become the SCO's tourism and cultural capital.
