Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon has identified trade, investment, transport connectivity, digital technologies and regional security as key priorities for cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He outlined these priorities during a meeting with heads of delegations from SCO member states in Dushanbe on October 20.
The delegations arrived in the Tajik capital to attend a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, according to the president’s press service.
Rahmon highlighted the organization’s role in promoting dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, stressing Tajikistan’s interest in strengthening peace, stability and trust across the region.
Among the main areas for cooperation, he cited expanding trade and investment, developing transport links, promoting industrial cooperation, advancing the digital economy and green technologies, and strengthening energy and food security.
Regional security was another key topic. The participants discussed efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, cyber threats, drug trafficking and transnational crime.
Rahmon also emphasized the importance of establishing an SCO Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe and implementing the organization’s Economic Development Strategy through 2030.
He expressed Tajikistan’s interest in expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, innovative technologies and the training of qualified specialists.
Other issues discussed included cultural and humanitarian cooperation, climate change, glacier preservation and the sustainable use of water resources.
According to the press service, Rahmon also called for the peaceful settlement of conflicts and a stronger coordinating role for the United Nations. He recalled Tajikistan’s initiative to declare 2027–2036 the International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations.
The SCO Council of Heads of Government is one of the organization’s main decision-making bodies. It meets annually to discuss issues of multilateral cooperation and approve the SCO budget.