Stockholm, 9 October 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Sweden Olzhas Suleimenov held a meeting with Anders Wallberg, Deputy Director at the Department for the Natural Environment of the Swedish Ministry of Climate and Enterprise.
The discussion focused on the initiative of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to strengthen the global water governance system and establish an International Water Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.
Ambassador Suleimenov emphasized that the initiative is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and coherence of international efforts in the water sector. He highlighted the particular importance of dialogue with Sweden, which has internationally recognized expertise in water policy and sustainable development.
Anders Wallberg noted the relevance of Kazakhstan’s initiative and the importance of strengthening coordination among UN entities dealing with water-related issues.
The sides also focused on practical cooperation in water technologies and biodiversity conservation. They discussed opportunities to expand engagement with leading Swedish government, research and expert institutions, as well as technology companies.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to continue consultations on improving global water governance mechanisms and to explore concrete areas for Kazakhstan–Sweden cooperation on environmental and water-related issues.
Astana, 2 October 2026 – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi held talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who arrived in Kazakhstan on an official visit.
The parties discussed the current state and prospects for further strengthening mutually beneficial Kazakh-Danish cooperation and exchanged views on key issues of the regional and international agenda.
Particular attention was paid to further expanding trade and economic cooperation. The parties noted the steady growth in bilateral trade and foreign direct investment. (In 2025, bilateral trade reached USD 163 million, while the cumulative volume of Danish direct investment in Kazakhstan’s economy since 2005 exceeded USD 394 million).
One of the most significant joint investment projects is the construction by Carlsberg Group of a plant for the production of PepsiCo non-alcoholic beverages in the Ili District of Almaty Region. The opening ceremony took place on
1 October with the participation of Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen. With an investment of USD 344 million, the plant is set to become one of Carlsberg Group’s largest production facilities worldwide, with an annual production capacity of up to 1 billion litres and the creation of 230 new jobs.
Particular attention was also devoted to the participation of both countries in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and its role in strengthening transport connectivity between Europe and Asia. In this context, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation with the Danish company Maersk with a view to increasing trade flows along the Middle Corridor.
“Denmark is an important partner for us in Northern Europe. We attach great importance to the development of our bilateral relations and seek to give greater substance to our trade and economic cooperation through concrete and significant projects”, – the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan stated.
For his part, Lars Løkke Rasmussen reaffirmed Denmark’s interest in further expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan, noting the growing importance of Central Asia in Denmark’s foreign policy and economic agenda, as well as the appointment of Lars Thuesen as Ambassador of Denmark to Kazakhstan and Special Representative of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Central Asia.
The Ministers also exchanged views on current international and regional issues, cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, as well as prospects for further developing cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Northern Europe.
On the same day, in the city of Konaev, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, heading a high-level Danish business delegation, took part in the Kazakh-Danish Business Forum, which brought together representatives of the business communities of the two countries. The discussions focused on expanding business ties, attracting Danish investment and implementing joint projects in priority sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy.
Following the talks, the Ministers signed memoranda of understanding, including a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a bilateral commission on trade, economic and investment cooperation between the foreign ministries of Kazakhstan and Denmark.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ardak Zebeshev, took part in Kazakhstan-Denmark Business Forum Kazakhstan as part of the official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The forum brought together more than 70 representatives of government agencies, development institutions and business communities from the two countries.
“Kazakhstan is interested in making its economic cooperation with Denmark increasingly practical. We see opportunities not only to expand trade, but also to launch joint projects, localize production and introduce advanced technologies, primarily in logistics, water management, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and energy, where Danish companies are recognized leaders. Our task is to create conditions under which business interest translates into concrete, long-term projects in Kazakhstan,” – stated during the forum Ardak Zebeshev.
Danish businesses are present in Kazakhstan across a number of sectors, while companies are showing interest in new areas, from industry and logistics to pharmaceuticals, water technologies, energy and agriculture. Particular attention was paid to localization and industrial cooperation. For Kazakhstan, cooperation with Danish businesses is of interest not only in terms of attracting capital, but also as an opportunity to develop local production, introduce modern technologies and management practices, and establish new partnerships between Kazakh enterprises and international companies.
A clear example of such cooperation was the opening of a Carlsberg Group and PepsiCo soft drinks plant in Almaty Region.
Investment in the project amounted to USD 344 million, with a design capacity of approximately 1 billion liters of products per year and more than 230 jobs created.
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/1302899?lang=en
Almaty, September 30, 2026 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Denmark Olzhas Suleimenov took part in the roundtable “Kazakhstan’s Export Potential: Containerization as a Gateway to Global Markets”, organized by KTZ Express JSC, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy National Company JSC, with the participation of A.P. Moller – Maersk (Denmark), one of the world’s largest transport and logistics companies.
The event was attended by Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Assel Zhanassova, Vice-Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Aidar Abildabekov, representatives of national companies and organizations, as well as Kazakh producers and exporters. The Maersk delegation was headed by Sedef Ayhan, Managing Director for the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Opening the roundtable, Assel Zhanassova noted that expanding export opportunities for domestic producers, facilitating their access to new international markets, and further developing Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics potential remain among the priorities of state policy. In this context, she emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the Government, national companies, and international businesses in enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakh exports and integrating them into global supply chains.
In his remarks, Ambassador Suleimenov highlighted the growing interest of Danish businesses in Kazakhstan amid the intensification of bilateral relations and the upcoming official visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen to Kazakhstan. He noted that containerization could provide Kazakh goods with more efficient and competitive access to international markets, while a global company such as Maersk could become a strategic partner connecting Kazakh exporters to global supply chains.
During the discussion, the participants addressed practical aspects of expanding the containerization of Kazakhstan’s export cargo, promising destinations and transport routes, as well as opportunities for more effective use of the Middle Corridor to facilitate access of Kazakh products to international markets.
Following the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their interest in continuing cooperation between Kazakh exporters, national companies, and Maersk, as well as in developing practical logistics solutions aimed at expanding container transportation and integrating domestic producers into international supply chains.
For reference: In April 2022, Maersk became one of the first major global operators to launch a regular multimodal service via the Middle Corridor along the route Xi’an – Kazakhstan – Caspian Sea – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Black Sea – Romania, with onward delivery to other EU countries, effectively demonstrating the commercial viability of the route.
Stockholm, 18 September 2026 – The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of Sweden, in collaboration with the "Dostar" Association, organized a screening of the Kazakh film “Qaitadan”, directed by Duman Yerkimbek, as part of the Asian Film Festival. Held at Cinema Grand, the event brought together representatives of Swedish government institutions and business circles, diplomatic corps, media, Kazakh diaspora, and Swedish public.
In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Sweden, Olzhas Suleimenov, highlighted the important role of cinema in promoting Kazakh culture abroad and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Kazakh diaspora to promoting national culture and traditions within Swedish society.
The film “Qaitadan” tells the story of a young man trapped in a time loop who attempts to prevent an impending catastrophe. Through its dynamic narrative, the film explores important themes of personal responsibility, moral choices, and the role of the younger generation in society.
The screening offered Swedish audiences an opportunity to discover contemporary Kazakh cinema and the diversity of its themes.
The event marked another step towards promoting Kazakh culture internationally and strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Sweden.
Dear compatriots,
Today, the international community observes the International Day against Nuclear Tests, established by the United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of our country.
Exactly 35 years ago, amid a complex international situation, the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site was closed. For decades, it inflicted irreparable damage on human health and the environment, leaving a painful mark on the fate of our people. This date will serve as a reminder to all humanity of the tragic consequences of nuclear testing and as a call to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
By voluntarily renouncing the fourth-largest nuclear arsenal on the planet, Kazakhstan made a historic choice in favor of peace, security, and sustainable development. This decision fulfilled the aspirations of the people of Kazakhstan and demonstrated our state’s responsibility for the fate of future generations.
Our commitment to peace and friendship with all states, enshrined in the preamble of the New Constitution, remains an unwavering principle of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy. Our country’s position as one of the leaders of the global nuclear- weapons-free movement remains unchanged: we call for dialogue and negotiations among the nuclear-weapons states, the earliest possible entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and decisive multilateral action aimed at eliminating the threat of the use of nuclear weapons.
Nuclear energy must serve exclusively peaceful and constructive purposes. In a nationwide referendum, our people firmly supported the course towards the development of nuclear energy, laying a solid foundation for Kazakhstan’s economic, scientific, and technological progress for decades to come.
This strategic choice is an important part of the transformations opening a new chapter in the country’s sustainable development. Large-scale reforms across all spheres of public life are aimed at building a Just, Progressive, and Clean Kazakhstan.
I am confident that together we will achieve this noble goal.
Stockholm, August 25, 2026 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Sweden, Olzhas Suleimenov, took part in the annual award ceremony for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, held under the patronage of the Crown Princess of Sweden, Victoria, as part of World Water Week in Stockholm.
Kazakhstan was represented at the competition by Adilbay Altair, a 9th-grade student at the Sh. Ualikhanov Private School in Almaty, with his project “FloodSense” – an affordable multisensor early-warning system for flood-prone communities in Kazakhstan.
The solution combines a network of affordable sensors, satellite data, and cloud computing and artificial intelligence tools to monitor water levels and weather conditions in real time, assess risks, and promptly alert the public.
The participation of a Kazakhstani school pupil in a competition of this level demonstrates the growing interest of Kazakhstan’s younger generation in science and in tackling pressing environmental challenges. It also complements Kazakhstan’s international water agenda, including the initiative by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish a specialized international water organization under the auspices of the UN, aimed at consolidating global water resource management.
For reference: Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a highly prestigious international competition organized annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) as part of World Water Week. The award is traditionally presented to the winners by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, who is the competition’s honorary patron. The competition attracts pupils and students from more than 40 countries worldwide.
April 1, 2026, Astana – The International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (ICIID) hosted an international online conference titled “The Role of Religious Leaders in Achieving Sustainable Peace and Development.” During the event, the Center presented two concept documents to its international partners: the “Ethical Code for the Use of Artificial Intelligence” and “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change.”
The conference brought together representatives of religious organizations, academic institutions, expert communities, and international organizations from Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Russia, Argentina, Thailand, North Macedonia, and India. Discussions focused on implementing the 2025 Astana Peace Declaration and the Development Concept of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023–2033.
Opening the conference, Maksat Ramankulov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted the importance of state-confessional partnerships. He noted that the Kazakhstani model demonstrates how civil peace demands joint efforts from both secular institutions and religious communities.
Gulsana Kozhabay, Chair of the Center's Board, emphasized that while faith-based diplomacy does not resolve every conflict, it helps preserve dialogue during periods of acute tension. Referring to the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana in September 2025, she noted that Jewish and Muslim representatives remained at the same table and continued their engagement despite heightened sensitivities regarding developments in the Middle East.
She also stressed the need to transition faith-based diplomacy into practical action. These priorities include establishing ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence and mounting a collective response to climate change – two issues addressed by the Center’s current initiatives.
Marwan Sarwar Gill, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Argentina, spoke about the universal understanding of peace in the Islamic tradition. Citing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, he emphasized that human dignity must not depend on race, nationality, or origin. Imam Gill rejected the notion of selective peace, arguing that a holistic approach provides a crucial foundation for global security.
Yulia Shapoval, Acting Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Gumilyov Eurasian National University, highlighted the rise of digital radicalization. She noted that religious and expert communities must keep pace with emerging challenges in the information age, arguing that educational and peace-oriented content must become more visible to counter destructive narratives in the digital space.
Ivan Ivanov, Chairman of the Board of the International Center “Alliance of Civilizations,” underscored the importance of critical thinking in preventing ethnic and religious violence. In his view, education should go beyond transmitting cultural identity; it should cultivate conscience, empathy, and responsibility. Philosophy and ethics, he argued, deserve a more prominent place in educational curricula.
Dr. Matthias Bodi of the University of Oxford's Faculty of Theology and Religion observed that deep faith and open dialogue are not in conflict. Intellectual honesty and respectful interfaith engagement, he stated, help build a culture in which disagreement does not turn into hostility.
Several speakers, including Rostislav Novgorodov, Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kazakhstan; Tokzhan Kozhakhmetova, representative of the Baha’i Community of Kazakhstan; and Rudraksha Sakrikar, Rector of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, emphasized the special role of youth. They stressed that youth should be regarded not only as beneficiaries of education but also as active contributors to positive social change, mutual trust, and intercultural cooperation.
Sergei Melnik, Head of the Department of Philosophy at the Russian Academy of Sciences, proposed organizing an international roundtable in 2027 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the landmark document “A Common Word Between Us and You.” The initiative aims to further strengthen Christian-Muslim dialogue and deepen trust between religious traditions.
Concluding the conference, participants agreed on the importance of moving beyond interfaith dialogue toward practical cooperation, identifying sustainable peace, ethical governance of new technologies, climate responsibility, education, and the prevention of radicalization as key areas.
June 10-12, 2026, Astana – State Secretary for Foreign Trade at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diana Jance, visited Kazakhstan at the head of a high-level business delegation.
The main event of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum on the establishment of the Kazakhstan-Sweden Bilateral Commission on Trade, Economic, and Investment Cooperation, as well as the holding of the Commission’s inaugural meeting with the participation of representatives of government agencies, development institutions, and the business communities of both countries. The Commission was co-chaired by Olzhas Saparbekov, Vice Minister of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, and State Secretary Diana Janse.
The Swedish delegation included leading companies such as Epiroc, Volvo Trucks, Scania, Sandvik, SKF, ABB, Ericsson, Elekta, AstraZeneca, and others.
During the Commission’s first meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation in priority sectors, including the mining and metallurgy sector, rare earth metals, machinery manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and medical technology, sustainable development, and digitalization. Special attention was given to the practical advancement of projects involving Swedish companies, including Epiroc, Sandvik, Scania, Volvo Trucks, and Väderstad.
The parties noted that the establishment of the Commission marked an important step toward institutionalizing the Kazakhstan-Sweden economic dialogue. The new framework is intended to serve as an effective mechanism for supporting joint initiatives, removing practical barriers, and deepening sectoral cooperation.
As part of the visit, Diana Jansen also spoke at the high-level panel discussion titled “International Dialogue on Development Cooperation in the Mining and Metallurgy Sector” during the 16th International Mining and Metallurgy Congress (AMM 2026).
The visit’s agenda included a series of bilateral meetings with the leadership of key government agencies in Kazakhstan. In particular, meetings were held with Alexey Tsoy, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan on Social Issues, Yersaiyn Nagaspayev, Minister of Industry and Construction, Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration and Akmaral Alnazorova, Minister of Health.
Separate talks were held with Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, during which the parties discussed prospects for trade and economic cooperation, coordination of efforts through the new Commission, and the implementation of joint projects in the field of industrial cooperation.
Reference: Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Sweden in 2025 amounted to $361.7 million, representing a 10.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024 ($328.3 million). Exports totaled $76 million, while imports amounted to $285.7 million.
There are 60 companies with Swedish capital operating in Kazakhstan, active in the fields of healthcare, telecommunications, energy and the environment, transportation, agriculture, the extractive industry, security, education, and others.
According to the National Bank of Kazakhstan, FDI from Sweden to Kazakhstan between 2005 and 2025 amounted to $705.6 million. By the end of 2025, Kazakhstan had attracted $29.9 million in FDI (-37.4%).
Dialogue has always been – and remains – the hard currency of politics. The ability of countries to listen to one another and jointly develop responses to the challenges of the times directly determines the stability of the international system, especially during periods of change or crisis. In today’s world, this has become particularly evident: the decline in trust between states is a consequence of dialogue itself becoming an increasingly scarce “resource.”
At the same time, modern politics offers examples of countries coming together through dialogue and creating strong multilateral structures aimed at strengthening peace and trust while unlocking the potential for good-neighbourliness and cooperation. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is undoubtedly one such organization.
Established 25 years ago – on June 15, 2001 – the SCO has grown into one of the world’s largest regional multilateral organizations.
Over the past quarter century, the SCO has forged a unique history of building trust, finding compromises, and strengthening partnerships across the vast Eurasian space. The Organization has travelled a long, complex, and dynamic path, demonstrating not only its viability but also its effectiveness and enduring relevance.
The origins of the SCO can be traced to the “Shanghai Five,” a dialogue platform established in 1996 by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Sharing the group’s fundamental objectives, Uzbekistan joined in 2001, transforming the “Five” into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and establishing a strong Central Asian core within it. Today, the SCO comprises ten member states. In addition to those already mentioned, they include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus. Collectively, the SCO member states account for more than 60% of the Eurasian landmass, nearly half of the world’s population, and a significant share of global GDP.
Throughout these years, the SCO has consistently strengthened its standing among influential international and regional institutions, serving as an effective mechanism for promoting security, stability, and sustainable development. Today, we are witnessing the SCO’s growing global role.
Its greatest asset remains its constructive and pragmatic approach to cooperation, founded on the universal principles of equality and mutual benefit, without the dominance of any single ideology. This approach has become known as the “Shanghai Spirit,” reflecting the distinctive strategy adopted by its member states. Over time, this model has proven the resilience, effectiveness, and enduring value of the multilateral mechanisms developed within the SCO framework.
The outcomes of recent SCO summits have demonstrated the enormous scale of the tasks undertaken and the ambitions set, highlighting the Organization’s ability to make swift and effective decisions on pressing regional issues in the fields of politics, security, trade, the economy, and humanitarian cooperation.
One of the most recent examples is the adoption in 2024, at Kazakhstan’s initiative, of the SCO Initiative “On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony and Development.” This unprecedented and comprehensive document sets out principles for strengthening confidence-building measures and maintaining stability and security amid today’s global challenges. It was subsequently presented to the UN General Assembly as an official document.
The security dimension remains one of the key pillars of the SCO agenda, and the Organization has accumulated significant experience in the joint fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. A central role in these efforts is played by the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), established within the SCO framework. The effectiveness of these measures is reflected in tangible and measurable results in dismantling terrorist infrastructure. A system for the rapid exchange of information has been established, and regular counterterrorism exercises are conducted. According to experts, thanks to this coordinated approach, the number of terrorist attacks within the SCO’s area of responsibility has steadily declined.
In our view, one of the Organization’s principal achievements has also been the creation of a Eurasian space characterised by strong connectivity in transport, energy, investment, and technology. It has developed a flexible model of economic partnership based on respect for sovereignty, pragmatism, and the pursuit of mutual benefit.
One of the concrete steps taken to strengthen practical cooperation was the agreement among the member states to establish the SCO Development Bank. Negotiations on this project are currently progressing actively, which is encouraging, as I am confident that the SCO Development Bank could, in the future, become a key financial institution for implementing a wide range of economic and humanitarian projects across the Organization.
Equally important is the expansion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation among the SCO member states, which is becoming increasingly substantive. A number of flagship projects have already been launched, including the SCO University, the “Education without Borders” initiative, “Spiritual Shrines,” the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capitals programme, the Youth Forum, and many other initiatives. These projects not only amplify the voice of the SCO but also serve as bridges between peoples, thereby strengthening mutual understanding and trust among its member states.
Kazakhstan is a steadfast supporter of the principles of the SCO and an advocate of the Organization’s further institutional development and the strengthening of its international standing.
It is worth recalling that it was during Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in 2017 that India and Pakistan were admitted to the Organization, marking the first phase of the SCO’s expansion. At the 2024 Astana Summit, meanwhile, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization convened for the first time in its expanded ten-member format, with the Republic of Belarus participating for the first time as a full member of the SCO.
At Kazakhstan’s initiative, and with the support of the other member states, a number of highly significant documents were adopted, including the SCO Development Strategy to 2035, the Food Security Programme, the Agreement on Cooperation and Interaction among Member States on Border Issues, the Programme on Combating Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism, and several others.
One of the key priorities of Kazakhstan’s policy within the SCO framework is to improve the Organization’s effectiveness and enhance its efficiency in the context of a rapidly evolving international environment.
Astana consistently advocates for the modernization of the SCO, the adaptation of its institutions to contemporary challenges, and the strengthening of the practical dimension of cooperation.
In this context, Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2023–2024 assumed particular significance. During the 2024 Astana Summit, a process of institutional reform was launched with the aim of strengthening the Organization’s resilience, improving the efficiency of its decision-making, and expanding cooperation among its member states.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that, in a period of global instability, the SCO must adapt in a timely manner to new geopolitical and economic realities. To this end, Kazakhstan proposed a comprehensive review of the Organization’s activities, including its decision-making mechanisms, the implementation of joint projects, and the coordination of the work of its specialized bodies.
The reform process proposed by Kazakhstan is currently under active consideration by the member states. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the practical effectiveness of the Organization and strengthen its role as one of the key centres of international cooperation across the Eurasian space.
Kazakhstan also advocates strengthening the economic dimension of the Organization. This aspect of cooperation is often criticised for failing to realise the SCO’s full potential, and it must be acknowledged that such criticism has some basis.
In terms of the combined GDP of its member states, the SCO is one of the world’s largest regional groupings. According to various estimates, the combined foreign trade turnover of the SCO member states amounts to approximately US$1 trillion. The Organization includes some of the world’s largest producers and consumers of energy, while many of the world’s key overland transport routes pass through its territory.
The SCO’s economic potential gives it every opportunity to become one of the leading centres of economic cooperation and connectivity. Yet this potential remains far from fully realised. With this in mind, Astana proposes intensifying joint investment projects, expanding the use of national currencies in mutual settlements, and developing international transport corridors that pass through the territories of SCO member states.
As a middle power with a high level of digital readiness and substantial experience in the services sector, Kazakhstan is promoting within the SCO an agenda of digital transformation that includes the adoption of innovation and the creation of new platforms for cooperation in e-commerce, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
For the SCO member states, environmental issues are directly linked to economic stability, food security, and the quality of life of their populations.
The challenges of climate change, desertification, dwindling water resources, and environmental pollution are particularly acute across the region. Central Asia is among the world’s most vulnerable regions in terms of water security, giving the SCO’s environmental agenda strategic importance.
In this context, I would like to highlight the initiative put forward by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish a Centre for the Analysis of Water Issues of the SCO Member States.
The Centre will focus on consolidating and sharing technologies and best practices in efficient and sustainable water management, while also promoting the development and implementation of joint innovative solutions in the water sector.
Overall, it is clear that the SCO has evolved into a comprehensive international organization in which every area of cooperation develops harmoniously while preserving the “Shanghai Spirit” and ensuring the active participation of all member states.
It is important to emphasize that, despite its extensive work in the field of security, the SCO is neither a military bloc nor a closed alliance directed against third countries. Rather, it is an open platform for cooperation.
Kazakhstan has consistently advocated for dialogue on the basis of equality, consensus-based decision-making, and the rejection of confrontational approaches. Only by remaining faithful to the goals and principles of the SCO Charter can the Organization ensure its balanced development while fostering an open and trusting multilateral dialogue.
Over the past 25 years, the SCO has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to bring together states with different political traditions, economic models, and cultural backgrounds in pursuit of common goals and a shared responsibility for the future.
Behind this anniversary lies a quarter century of hard work, diplomatic skill, political wisdom, and a genuine commitment by its member states to strengthening trust and mutual understanding.
Today, the SCO is entering a new stage of its development – a period in which the stability of the international order and the quality of life of millions of people will increasingly depend on the effectiveness of cooperation.
I am deeply convinced that the Organization’s accumulated experience, its unique potential for cooperation, and its steadfast commitment to the enduring principles of the Shanghai Spirit will enable it to remain one of the world’s leading platforms for constructive international cooperation.
As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has noted: “Our peoples place great hopes in the SCO. They expect that fruitful cooperation within the Organization, based on compromise and due consideration of mutual interests, will enable us to overcome today’s trials and tomorrow’s challenges with dignity, while improving the well-being of our citizens.”