Russia Concludes SCO Chairmanship with Heads of Government Council Meeting in Moscow

Moscow Hosts Key SCO Meeting

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government Council Meeting took place in Moscow on November 17-18, 2025, under the chairmanship of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. This significant gathering at the Russia National Centre marked the formal conclusion of Russia's chairmanship of the SCO Heads of Government Council.

The meeting brought together heads of government from SCO member states, including China, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Kyrgyzstan. High-level representatives from observer states like Belarus and Mongolia, and dialogue partners such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, and Turkmenistan, also participated. Russian President Vladimir Putin held a separate meeting with the heads of delegations, emphasizing the SCO's growing influence.

Focus on Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation

A primary objective of Russia's chairmanship, and a central theme of the meeting, was to deepen trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation across the SCO region. Discussions covered a broad range of areas aimed at implementing the SCO Development Strategy until 2035. Key topics included:

• Expanding ties in the digital economy and energy sector.
• Promoting green industry and artificial intelligence.
• Strengthening cooperation in science, innovation, education, culture, tourism, healthcare, sports, and youth exchanges.

The participants thoroughly examined global economic trends and strategies to enhance the SCO's economic dimension. Following the deliberations, the heads of government adopted a Joint Communiqué and signed several decisions. These included measures concerning the implementation of the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation, the development of interaction in railway transportation, and advancements in social development and social protection. The organization's budget for the upcoming year was also approved.

Strengthening Financial Independence and Future Outlook

A significant initiative highlighted during the meeting was Russia's proposal to form a working group on financial infrastructure within the SCO. Prime Minister Mishustin stated, 'A reliable, independent financial infrastructure is required to implement joint plans.' Discussions also advanced on the potential establishment of an SCO Development Bank and the mutual recognition of credit ratings and commodity indicator systems.

President Putin underscored the importance of stable and uninterrupted payment channels, particularly amidst global economic volatility and unilateral sanctions. He noted the positive trend of increasing settlements in national currencies among SCO members, with Russia's trade turnover with SCO countries reaching $409 billion in 2024, and over 97% of these transactions conducted in national currencies. As Russia concludes its chairmanship, Tajikistan is set to assume the chairmanship of the Council, with Kyrgyzstan slated to take over the presidency in 2026.