Nournews: The statement said: “Member states reaffirm their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and call for the resolution of disputes solely through political and diplomatic means.”

According to Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency, the statement, issued following the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, said member states had expressed deep concern over developments in the Middle East and Iran.

The SCO member states also expressed their condolences to Iran over the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the martyred leader of Iran’s Revolution.

Another section of the statement said: “Member states express their deep concern over developments in the Middle East and Iran.”

The statement said SCO member states had reaffirmed their position in condemning military attacks on Iran, which resulted in significant civilian casualties. It added that the member states had also reaffirmed their support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and backed a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

The SCO summit statement also said that a just solution to the Palestinian issue is the only way to ensure peace, with member states affirming that a just settlement of the Palestinian issue is the only way to guarantee peace in the Middle East.

The statement issued by the organization said: “Member states emphasize that the only viable way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is to achieve a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue.”

The SCO member states also expressed their readiness to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.

The statement said: “Reaffirming their commitment to transforming Afghanistan into an independent, neutral and peace-loving country free from terrorism, war and drugs, member states express their readiness to support the international community’s efforts to ensure peace, stability and development in the country.”

The statement added: “Member states emphasize that the establishment of an inclusive government, with broad participation from representatives of all ethnic and political groups in Afghan society, is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the country.”

The statement also said: “SCO member states stressed the need to conclude an international instrument on security guarantees to prevent an arms race in outer space. They also stressed the need to comply with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development and Use of Chemical Weapons.”

The Bishkek summit statement said the next SCO summit of member-state leaders will be held in Pakistan in 2027.