On July 24, 2026 The Astana Times published an article highlighting the outcomes of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States held in Cholpon-Ata, as well as the key priorities for preparations ahead of the upcoming SCO Heads of State Summit in Bishkek. The article featured commentary by Deputy Chairman of the FPRI Board Manarbek Kabaziyev. 
In his remarks, M. Kabaziyev noted that the SCO is undergoing a qualitative transformation. While the Organization initially focused on confidence-building measures and regional security, its agenda has significantly expanded to include trade and economic cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, digitalization, energy, food security, and technological development.
M. Kabaziyev emphasized the growing importance of the Organization’s practical dimension. In his view, the transition toward the implementation of joint projects creates new opportunities for member states to strengthen transport infrastructure, develop digital logistics, and enhance regional production and value chains.
M.Kabaziyev also stressed that these developments are of strategic importance for Kazakhstan. Owing to its geographic location and its role as one of Eurasia’s key transit hubs, the country is well positioned to become one of the principal beneficiaries of initiatives aimed at improving transport connectivity, advancing digital logistics, and fostering regional value-added production chains.
The full article is available on The Astana Times website:
https://astanatimes.com/2026/07/kazakh-fm-urges-more-practical-sco-as-global-turbulence-reshapes-regional-priorities/