In 2026, Kyrgyzstan will chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), highlighting the growing significance of regional associations in the context of global political and economic changes.
The SCO includes several major states of Eurasia and serves as an important platform for discussing security, economic, and humanitarian issues. Given the changes in the global political and economic architecture, experts are increasingly questioning the future influence of this organization.
In an interview with a correspondent from VB.KG, Gulya Kozhokulova, a deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh, shared her vision of the role of the SCO, Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship, and possible changes in international relations.
- How do you assess the changes in the role of the SCO in light of modern political realities?
- Undoubtedly, the political significance of the SCO will grow. Recent events confirm this. Kyrgyzstan's chairmanship this year is not only a great responsibility but also an opportunity to strengthen the country's image on the international stage. I am confident that over time, the number of countries interested in cooperating with the SCO will increase.
- Which countries might want to join the organization?
- Perhaps countries from the Middle East may show interest. Many states are currently seeking new formats for interaction and cooperation.
- Do you think China's influence within the SCO will increase?
- China's influence is already noticeable, and this cannot be ignored. In recent years, China has actively presented itself as a peacemaker. However, it is important to note that the peacemaking role does not belong exclusively to China; Russia also traditionally participates in peacekeeping processes. All major powers within the SCO are interested in stability.
Strong states understand that economic stability depends on peace. In times of conflict, connections are destroyed, and states are forced to reallocate resources to armament, which negatively affects the economy.
This is also relevant for Kyrgyzstan, especially considering the active economic cooperation with China.
- Can a global economic crisis change the status of the SCO?
- On the contrary, I believe that the role of the SCO will only strengthen. We are witnessing a redistribution of global power, and organizations that previously seemed insignificant are beginning to demonstrate their strength. Asian countries and even small island states may increasingly be interested in cooperation.
- Speaking of BRICS, does Kyrgyzstan have a chance of joining this association?
- There is always potential. It is important how feasible this will be. I believe that discussing Kyrgyzstan's possible accession to BRICS within the framework of the SCO is quite realistic when suitable conditions arise.
BRICS also represents a significant association, especially in a context where countries need to unite to strengthen their positions.
- What is the importance of cooperation and the unification of states today?
- This is extremely important. No country can exist in isolation; the world is structured such that states are interdependent. To ensure stability and support each other, interaction is necessary.
Many underestimate the importance of these processes. An example is the European Union, which removed internal borders and created a single currency, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation.
The structure of the EU was logical and convenient, just as it was with the Soviet Union, which united different territories and allowed for effective management of the economy and logistics.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, we lost this mechanism, and each country erected its own borders, leading to a decrease in the effectiveness of interaction. Now, looking back, we understand that we need to seek new forms of cooperation.
It is important to maintain unity while respecting the internal affairs of other states. External relations should promote development, not hinder it. An example of such relations is cooperation with Russia, characterized by support and mutual assistance without political pressure.
History teaches that the past cannot be changed, and it is necessary to respect it, drawing lessons for the future. Our task is to strengthen ties, considering the historical context.
Our peoples are connected by cultural and blood ties, and this unity must be preserved, accepting reality as it is and avoiding foreign ideas.
- You also mentioned the importance of historical memory.
- Yes, this is a key issue. As Chinghiz Aitmatov said, a person can be deprived of many things, but memory cannot be taken away. It shapes our society. Therefore, it is important to return to classical literature and the philosophical reflections of great authors.
Unfortunately, modern young people read less and less. We receive information through screens, which affects our memory and vocabulary. We should pay more attention to culture and education.
- What do you consider particularly important in the current international situation?
- It is important to remain humane, respect each other, and strive for cooperation. This will help maintain stability and ensure the development of states.
Interviewed by Sofia Berezovskaya
