Trust is facing a crisis – Shavkat Mirziyoyev

A crisis of mutual trust is emerging between countries around the world, threatening the foundations of global security and stability. This was stated by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in his speech today, September 1, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

According to the President, the SCO, with its strong economic, intellectual, resource, and technological potential, is steadily strengthening its role in international affairs—a development of particular importance amid current global uncertainty.

“The systemic crisis of trust, the spread of conflicts, the weakening of multilateral institutions, and the fragmentation of the global trading system are undermining the architecture of international security and stability. In such conditions, mutual understanding and solidarity among SCO member states are not only valuable assets but also key to maintaining peace in our vast region.

It is especially important that the SCO remains a platform for equal dialogue, mutual respect, and partnership. This approach makes it possible to ensure a balance of interests and jointly develop solutions to the most complex challenges of our time,” said Mirziyoyev.

Continuing his speech, the President expressed his support for the organization’s further expansion.

“We advocate for the consistent expansion of the Organization. The success of the SCO model lies in its openness and commitment to broad cooperation. We are ready to support the aspirations of those states that see their future as closely linked with the SCO.

The expansion of the SCO’s dialogue partnerships, including through the involvement of other regional states, will help transform the Organization into a platform for cooperation with the countries of the Global South,” the Uzbek leader stated.

The SCO Summit is being held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, over 20 heads of state, and representatives of 10 international organizations. As a result of the summit, 15 new cooperation documents were signed.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded in Shanghai on June 15, 2001, with six member states: Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined in 2017, Iran in 2023, and Belarus in 2024.