Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has hailed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a symbol of collective strength and mutual benefit, describing it as a "child" nurtured by member states into a globally influential institution. In an exclusive interview with China Media Group, Rahmon emphasized the bloc's evolution from regional initiative to international powerhouse.
"The SCO's growth mirrors our shared commitment to addressing complex challenges through dialogue," said Rahmon, whose country currently chairs the organization. He highlighted the group's expanding role in security coordination, economic integration, and cultural exchange across Eurasia.
With 2023 marking the 20th anniversary of China's first peacekeeping mission under SCO frameworks, analysts note the organization's increasing weight in shaping regional stability. Recent data shows SCO members account for 40% of global population and 25% of world GDP, creating new opportunities for infrastructure development and energy cooperation.
Rahmon's remarks come as the bloc prepares for its annual summit in Astana, where discussions will focus on counterterrorism strategies and digital economy partnerships. The SCO's unique consensus-based approach continues to attract interest from Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian nations seeking multilateral solutions to transnational issues.
