Russia, China, Iran leaders to gather for SCO anniversary summit

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will host its anniversary summit in Bishkek as the bloc marks two and a half decades of cooperation among its member states. The gathering is expected to draw senior representatives from Russia, China, Iran and other participating nations, underscoring the grouping's significance as a counterweight to Western influence in Central and South Asia.

The SCO, established in 1996 initially as the Shanghai Five before expanding to include additional members, has evolved into one of the world's largest regional organisations by population and geographic scope. The bloc focuses on security cooperation, economic ties and diplomatic coordination among its members, which also include India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

The summit in the Kyrgyz capital will provide an opportunity for member states to assess the organisation's achievements over the past quarter-century and chart its course for future cooperation. Regional observers view such high-level gatherings as critical forums for discussing shared security concerns, trade initiatives and responses to regional instability.

The attendance of leaders from Russia, China and Iran at the summit reflects the SCO's role as a platform for major Asian powers to coordinate policy positions and strengthen their strategic partnerships amid broader geopolitical shifts.