The heads of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization signed the final Samarkand Declaration. The Declaration says that in the modern world the system of international challenges and threats is becoming more complex, “a dangerous degradation of the state of affairs in the world is observed”, existing local conflicts and crises were aggravating and new ones are emerging.

The growing technological and digital divergence, the turbulence of global financial markets, the global decline in investment flows, the instability of supply chains, the strengthening of protectionist measures in international trade exacerbate instability and uncertainty in the global economy, the declaration says.

The Member States reaffirmed their commitment to building a "more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order" based on the universally recognized principles of international law, multilateralism, equal, joint, indivisible, comprehensive and sustainable security.

The participants of the organization, according to the document, adhere to a line that excludes block, ideological and confrontational approaches to solving problems of international and regional development, countering traditional and non-traditional challenges and security threats.

The Member States came out for respect for the right of peoples to an independent and democratic choice of the paths of their political and socio-economic development. They emphasized that the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force are the basis for the sustainable development of international relations.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultations.

The member states also confirmed that the SCO was not directed against other states and international organizations.

Participants expressed their concern about the security threat posed by terrorism, separatism and extremism and condemned terrorist attacks around the world.

They intend to continue to take measures to eliminate the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, to block the channels of financing of terrorism, to suppress the recruitment and cross-border movement of terrorists, to counter extremism, the radicalization of youth, the spread of terrorist ideology, as well as to eliminate "sleeper cells" and places that are used as a terrorist hideout.

The Member States noted the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of states under the pretext of countering terrorism and extremism, as well as the unacceptability of using terrorist, extremist and radical groups for personal gain.

The participants also spoke categorically against the militarization of the ICT sector. They support the development of universal rules, principles and norms of responsible behavior of states in this area, including welcome the launch of the development under the auspices of the UN of a comprehensive international convention on combating the use of ICT for criminal purposes.

Member States expressed concern about the increased threats posed by the growth in the production, trafficking and abuse of drugs and the use of proceeds from drug trafficking as a source of financing for terrorism.

They intend to continue to jointly oppose attempts to legalize the use of drugs for non-medical purposes and to conduct joint operations to curb their illicit trafficking, to take effective measures to prevent the spread of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances.

The SCO member states, which are parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, called for strict observance of its provisions, strengthening the global regime for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and continuing the process of nuclear disarmament.

The participants of the organization once again drew attention to the fact that "the unilateral and unrestricted build-up by individual countries or groups of states of global missile defense systems has a negative impact on international security and stability." They consider unacceptable attempts to ensure their own security at the expense of the security of other states.

The SCO countries have come out in favor of responding to global and regional challenges and threats to security by political and diplomatic means, they intend to strengthen cooperation and actively promote the multilateral process of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

Member States advocated keeping outer space free of weapons of any kind. They stressed the need to conclude an international legally binding instrument that would provide reliable guarantees to prevent an arms race and not be the first to place weapons in outer space.

Member States also opposed the development, production and stockpiling of biological and chemical weapons.

The SCO participants noted that one of the most important factors in strengthening security in the SCO space is the soonest settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They advocated the establishment of Afghanistan as an independent, neutral, unified, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs.

They consider it extremely important to create an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups of Afghan society. In addition, the SCO members called for continued efforts to provide assistance to the Afghan people.

The participants noted that they would develop cooperation through the Prosecutor General's Offices, ensuring interaction in law enforcement activities aimed at protecting human rights and countering modern challenges and threats of transnational crime, including the use of ICT for criminal purposes, corruption, drug trafficking and their precursors, smuggling, terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, human trafficking, acts that infringe on the rights and freedoms of minors, the safety of the environment and nature management.

The Member States noted the importance of signing a memorandum of commitment by Iran to obtain the status of a member of the SCO, the decision to start the procedure for admitting Belarus to the organization, noted the adoption of decisions on granting Bahrain, Maldives, Kuwait, the UAE and Myanmar the status of a dialogue partner of the SCO, noted the signing of memorandums on granting the status of the SCO partner in dialogue with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The SCO members reaffirmed that they will consistently uphold and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the principles and rules of the World Trade Organization, promote the development of an open world economy, oppose protectionist actions and trade restrictions.

The SCO members emphasized that the unilateral application of economic sanctions, other than those adopted by the UN Security Council, is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations.

Member States decided to establish an ad hoc working group on start-ups and innovation, an ad hoc working group on poverty alleviation and an expert working group on traditional medicine.

The participants called for strengthening the potential of technoparks, joining efforts to develop an innovation ecosystem, conducting joint research and development, launching new digital projects in the SCO space.

They noted the adoption by interested SCO member states of the "road map" for the gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements and spoke in favor of expanding this practice.

Member States stressed the importance of creating new and upgrading existing international routes for road and rail transport, multimodal transport corridors and logistics centers, trade and tourism, introducing digital, innovative and energy-saving technologies and optimizing cross-border procedures.

The SCO members advocated the development of modern logistics centers and the joint adoption of measures to coordinate and promote the unification of the railway infrastructure.

The members of the organization emphasized the need to increase mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, including the efficient use of all types of energy resources, and also supported the use of economically and environmentally friendly technologies that reduce the negative impact on the environment and contribute to energy security. They welcomed the adoption of a program of cooperation between the SCO member states in the field of the use of renewable energy sources.

The Member States noted the importance of cooperation in the field of environmental protection, environmental safety, prevention of the negative effects of climate change, conservation and use of biodiversity, as well as the exchange of experience and operational information on these issues.

The members of the organization are convinced of the inadmissibility of using the climate agenda to introduce measures that limit trade and investment cooperation.

The SCO states, speaking out against the stigmatization in connection with the coronavirus, stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation in combating its spread, as well as in overcoming the global political and socio-economic consequences of the pandemic.

Members of the organization will continue to coordinate measures to respond to public health emergencies of international concern, deepen scientific and technical cooperation in the development of drugs, vaccines and test systems.

The SCO countries stressed their readiness to step up efforts in interaction within the SCO in providing assistance in the elimination of emergency situations.

The SCO participants noted that one of the most important factors in strengthening security in the SCO space is the soonest settlement of the situation in Afghanistan. They advocated the establishment of Afghanistan as an independent, neutral, unified, democratic and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war and drugs.

They consider it extremely important to create an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives of all ethnic, religious and political groups of Afghan society. In addition, the SCO members called for continued efforts to provide assistance to the Afghan people.

The participants noted that they would develop cooperation through the Prosecutor General's Offices, ensuring interaction in law enforcement activities aimed at protecting human rights and countering modern challenges and threats of transnational crime, including the use of ICT for criminal purposes, corruption, drug trafficking and their precursors, smuggling, terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, human trafficking, acts that infringe on the rights and freedoms of minors, the safety of the environment and nature management.

The Member States noted the importance of signing a memorandum of commitment by Iran to obtain the status of a member of the SCO, the decision to start the procedure for admitting Belarus to the organization, noted the adoption of decisions on granting Bahrain, Maldives, Kuwait, the UAE and Myanmar the status of a dialogue partner of the SCO, noted the signing of memorandums on granting the status of the SCO partner in dialogue with Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The SCO members reaffirmed that they will consistently uphold and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on the principles and rules of the World Trade Organization, promote the development of an open world economy, oppose protectionist actions and trade restrictions.

The SCO members emphasized that the unilateral application of economic sanctions, other than those adopted by the UN Security Council, is incompatible with the principles of international law and has a negative impact on third countries and international economic relations.

Member States decided to establish an ad hoc working group on start-ups and innovation, an ad hoc working group on poverty alleviation and an expert working group on traditional medicine.

The participants called for strengthening the potential of technoparks, joining efforts to develop an innovation ecosystem, conducting joint research and development, launching new digital projects in the SCO space.

They noted the adoption by interested SCO member states of the "road map" for the gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements and spoke in favor of expanding this practice.

Member States stressed the importance of creating new and upgrading existing international routes for road and rail transport, multimodal transport corridors and logistics centers, trade and tourism, introducing digital, innovative and energy-saving technologies and optimizing cross-border procedures.

The SCO members advocated the development of modern logistics centers and the joint adoption of measures to coordinate and promote the unification of the railway infrastructure.

The members of the organization emphasized the need to increase mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, including the efficient use of all types of energy resources, and also supported the use of economically and environmentally friendly technologies that reduce the negative impact on the environment and contribute to energy security. They welcomed the adoption of a program of cooperation between the SCO member states in the field of the use of renewable energy sources.

The Member States noted the importance of cooperation in the field of environmental protection, environmental safety, prevention of the negative effects of climate change, conservation and use of biodiversity, as well as the exchange of experience and operational information on these issues.

The members of the organization are convinced of the inadmissibility of using the climate agenda to introduce measures that limit trade and investment cooperation.

The SCO states, speaking out against the stigmatization in connection with the coronavirus, stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation in combating its spread, as well as in overcoming the global political and socio-economic consequences of the pandemic.

Members of the organization will continue to coordinate measures to respond to public health emergencies of international concern, deepen scientific and technical cooperation in the development of drugs, vaccines and test systems.

The SCO countries stressed their readiness to step up efforts in interaction within the SCO in providing assistance in the elimination of emergency situations.

Member states noted the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of education within the framework of the SCO, expanding interuniversity cooperation. They expressed their readiness to conduct joint scientific research, exchange of experience between scientists and scientific organizations.

The participants agreed to declare 2023 the Year of Tourism of the SCO. They also supported Tajikistan's proposal to declare 2025 the International Year for the Preservation of Glaciers.

The member states highly appreciated the results of the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the SCO in 2021-2022. They welcomed the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative put forward by the President of Uzbekistan, aimed at ensuring peace and stability, international cooperation and promoting the sustainable development of mankind.

The chairmanship of the SCO is now passing to India, the next meeting of the Council of Heads of SCO member states will be held in 2023 in this country.