Bishkek: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced his country's readiness to advance transport initiatives within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), highlighting the strategic advantage of geographical connectivity among member states.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Tokayev, speaking at the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting held in Bishkek, emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to facilitating the promotion of transport initiatives across the organization. He underscored the importance of integrating various significant trade routes, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and the North-South Corridor, along with promising trade routes between Central and South Asia.

President Tokayev also proposed the development and adoption of an SCO 'Strategy for Transport Connectivity' with an outlook through 2035. He described the SCO as an influential and successful international structure, noting its unique combination of member countries that are diverse yet united in spirit.

In light of a changing global reality and the emergence of a new architecture of international relations, Tokayev expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would further strengthen the SCO's international standing and shape its strategic interests.

Additionally, the Kazakh president suggested convening an SCO ministerial conference focused on strategic stability, with an agenda that includes reducing military risks, containing a potential arms race, and preventing dangerous incidents. Tokayev highlighted the concerning spillover effects of armed conflicts on international markets, shipping, and the stability of energy and transport links.

He concluded by emphasizing that the fight against terrorism, extremism, and separatism remains a priority for the SCO, as these threats increasingly intertwine with transnational crime, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, and cyber threats.