Dushanbe, October 21, 2026 – The Europe Today: President of Tajikistan and Leader of the Nation Emomali Rahmon met with heads of delegations from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at the Palace of the Nation on October 20, as they gathered in Dushanbe to participate in a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.
Welcoming the visiting delegations to Tajikistan, President Rahmon wished the participants success in their deliberations, emphasising the importance of the SCO as a platform for constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation amid evolving global developments.
He reaffirmed Tajikistan’s commitment to strengthening the organisation’s role in ensuring peace and stability, promoting sustainable development and fostering an atmosphere of trust across all areas of cooperation.
The Tajik leader stressed that his country consistently advocates the peaceful settlement of conflicts and the strengthening of the United Nations’ central coordinating role in international affairs.
In this context, he highlighted Tajikistan’s initiative to proclaim 2027–2036 as the International Decade for Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, which has received support from the United Nations General Assembly.
President Rahmon also underscored the importance of enhancing the SCO’s international standing and increasing the practical impact of its activities.
He identified the expansion of trade and investment, development of transport connectivity, industrial and agro-industrial cooperation, the digital economy, green technologies, and stronger energy and food security as key priorities for member states.
The president stressed the importance of strengthening the SCO’s relations with the United Nations, other international and regional organisations, and interested countries to advance shared objectives.
He called on the Council of Heads of Government to facilitate the implementation of decisions adopted at the highest level through concrete programmes and projects, particularly in trade, economic cooperation, investment and humanitarian affairs.
Strengthening Regional Security
Addressing security challenges, President Rahmon emphasised the need for stronger joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, radicalism, cyber threats, drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
He highlighted the significance of establishing an SCO Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as an important step towards enhancing regional cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and related threats.
The Tajik president also stressed the importance of implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy until 2030, adopted on Tajikistan’s initiative, to promote sustainable economic growth and strengthen cooperation among member states.
Economic Modernisation and Technological Cooperation
President Rahmon said Tajikistan would continue implementing reforms aimed at developing strategic economic sectors, strengthening the private sector, improving the business environment and advancing digital technologies and innovation.
He reaffirmed the country’s support for expanding cooperation among SCO member states in innovative technologies, artificial intelligence and the training of highly qualified specialists in these fields.
The president also highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation, particularly in education, vocational training for young people, and joint academic and educational programmes.
Climate Action and Water Cooperation
Climate change adaptation, environmental protection, glacier preservation and the rational use of water resources were also discussed during the meeting.
President Rahmon called for continued support from SCO member states for Tajikistan’s international initiatives on water and climate issues, stressing the importance of coordinated action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Concluding the meeting, the Tajik president reaffirmed his country’s readiness to continue making a constructive contribution to achieving the SCO’s shared goals and strengthening cooperation among its member states.
