From the moment it was founded five years ago the SCO has become an authoritative international organisation that acts as an important instrument for deepening good-neighbourly and partnership relations between member states, an example of dialogue between civilizations, and an active force in global efforts to democratize international relations, reads the Declaration on the Fifth Anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization adopted following the session of the SCO Council of Heads of State.
At present the organizational and legal aspects of the SCO have been successfully established and close security cooperation especially with regards to fighting international terrorism, separatism, extremism and illegal drug trafficking has developed. Long-term plans and priorities for regional economic cooperation have been formulated and a Business Council and Inter-Bank Association have been created.
By adhering to the principles of openness, acceptance and by not forming any exclusive groups the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is actively engaged in various forms of dialogue, exchanges and cooperation with national and international organization which, like the SCO, are ready to cooperate on an equitable, mutually respectful and constructive basis with a view to ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is committed to enhancing strategic stability, the international regime concerning the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the international legal order. The SCO will make an increasing contribution to accomplishing these pressing tasks, the Declaration reads.