Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Institute of World Policy of Kyrgyzstan, said that the Shanghai Spirit, the guiding principle of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), has evolved into a comprehensive concept of international relations.
Baktygulov emphasized that within the SCO, the voice of a small state is as valuable as that of a major power, calling this an important innovation in modern international relations. He noted that despite being one of the world’s largest countries, China shows great respect for the views of other states.
Over the past 20 years, the SCO has expanded to include 26 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. The expert highlighted that no country dominates or dictates terms within the organization, which strengthens good-neighborly relations and attracts more members to join.
Baktygulov also stated that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) fits perfectly with the SCO framework, which serves as one of the most effective platforms for its implementation.
Describing the SCO as a model for international relations, he said it demonstrates to Global South countries and regional organizations how to cooperate successfully based on goodwill rather than pressure or coercion.
He further noted that the ongoing SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, is being held in a broader format, and that the decisions to be announced by SCO leaders carry significant importance amid current global turbulence.