The members of the 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 Shanghai, 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.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2006)