Singapore (TDI): The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) made its debut appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia-Pacific’s premier security forum, as Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev participated in a plenary.
Held on May 29–30 in Singapore, the 23rd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue brought together around 550 delegates from more than 40 countries, including defense ministers, senior military officials, and representatives of international organizations.
The participation of the SCO Secretariat marked the first time the organization has been represented at the annual forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Speaking during a plenary session on “Addressing Cross-Regional Security Threats,” Yermekbayev outlined the SCO’s approach to maintaining peace and stability across its member states.
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He described the SCO as the world’s largest transregional organization and emphasized its commitment to strengthening international security while supporting a more representative global order under the central coordinating role of the United Nations.
The Secretary-General stressed that the SCO rejects bloc-based and confrontational approaches to international affairs, noting that the organization’s activities are not directed against any third country.
Instead, he said, the SCO’s work is guided by the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit,” which promotes mutual trust, cooperation, and dialogue among member states.
Yermekbayev also highlighted the organization’s comprehensive security strategy, arguing that long-term stability depends not only on defense and law-enforcement measures but also on addressing socio-economic challenges and expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
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He pointed to ongoing efforts to modernize the SCO’s institutional framework, including the establishment of new specialized security bodies.
As examples of practical cooperation, he cited the SCO’s regular “Peace Mission” counterterrorism exercises, the “Sahand-Antiterror-2025” drills, and the “Web” operation, alongside diplomatic initiatives and joint statements issued by member states.
During a question-and-answer session, he responded to delegates’ inquiries regarding regional security and development efforts across the SCO area.
On the sidelines of the forum, Yermekbayev also met with Singapore’s Defense Minister, Chan Chun Sing, at the initiative of the host country.
First launched in 2002, the Shangri-La Dialogue has become one of the world’s leading platforms for discussions on defense, security, and geopolitical issues, bringing together policymakers and security experts from across the globe.
