The members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday issued a
declaration, pledging to make constructive contribution to new global security
structure.
"The SCO will make constructive contribution to the establishment of a new
global security architecture of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and
mutual respect," says the declaration, which was signed at the SCO summit
Thursday.
Established in June 2001, the regional organization comprises China,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
All presidents of the SCO members attended the summit meeting in China's
largest city, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the SCO's founding.
"Based on the widely recognized principles of international law,such a
security architecture discards 'double standards' and seeks to settle disputes
through negotiation on the basis of mutual understanding," the declaration says.
Such a security architecture respects the rights of all countries to
safeguard national unity and their national interests,pursue particular models
of development and formulate domestic and foreign policies independently and
participate in international affairs on an equal basis, it says.
Diversity of civilization and model of development must be respected and
upheld, the declaration says.
Differences in cultural traditions, political and social systems, values and
model of development formed in the course of history should not be taken as
pretexts to interfere in other countries'internal affairs, it says, stressing
model of social development should not be "exported".
The declaration maintains that the differences in civilizations should be
respected, and exchanges among civilizations should be conducted on an equal
basis to draw on each other's strengths and enhance harmonious development.
Threats and challenges can be effectively met only when there is broad
cooperation among all countries and international organizations concerned. What
specific means and mechanism should be adopted to safeguard security of the
region is the right and responsibility of countries in the region.
The SCO is committed to enhancing strategic stability, strengthening the
international regime of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and
upholding order in international law, and will contribute its share to
accomplishing these important missions, the declaration says.