Strengthen genuine partnerships through dialogue, cooperation and concrete results: China Daily editorial

In response to the evident need for a more just and equitable global governance system, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative at last year's "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin. The theme of this year's SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan — "Together Toward Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity" — and its agenda highlight that the organization can help put the GGI into practice.

Xi is attending the SCO Summit 2026 and paying state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Egypt from Sunday to Thursday. The SCO's thriving development over the past 25 years demonstrates the appeal of a new type of international relations based on multilateralism and cooperation rather than unilateralism and bloc confrontation. The steady development of China's relations with Kyrgyzstan and Egypt over the decades shows how genuine partnerships can translate into tangible benefits for people.

The symbolic value of the Bishkek summit lies in underscoring the model of global governance the SCO represents. Sovereign equality, the rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered development and concrete actions are not abstract principles. They can be tested and demonstrated through security cooperation, connectivity, trade, technological innovation, cultural exchanges and improved livelihoods, as shown in the development of relations between China and Kyrgyzstan.

Over the 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, their relationship has withstood the test of a changing international landscape, maintained sound and stable development throughout, and reached the high level of a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.

As Xi said upon his arrival in Bishkek on Sunday, China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation has ushered in a "golden period" of rapid development.

The development of the bilateral relationship, which is defined by good-neighborliness, friendship and shared prosperity, is measured not simply in trade volumes or infrastructure projects, but in better connectivity, greater opportunity and closer human ties. Two-way visits exceeded 400,000 last year, and 30 pairs of sister provinces and cities enjoy close ties, cementing the foundation for lasting friendship.

As founding members of the SCO and members of the Global South, the two countries share an interest in upholding international fairness and justice, opposing unilateralism and bloc confrontation, and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

Kyrgyzstan's election as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council provides another opportunity for the two countries to strengthen coordination within the UN and promote a more just and equitable global governance system.

This year is the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). Kyrgyzstan is implementing its National Development Program until 2030 and making all-out efforts to build a "New Kyrgyzstan". Pursuing mutual benefit and win-win results is essential for the enduring vitality of their cooperation. The two neighbors should take a long-term view, focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously upgrade practical cooperation in not only trade, investment, connectivity and green mining but also the digital economy, clean energy, artificial intelligence and other emerging fields.

Xi's visit to Egypt will also inject vitality into China-Egypt relations. This year marks the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The two countries have developed a comprehensive strategic partnership through political trust, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

China stands ready to work with Egypt to deepen cooperation in economy, trade, military, AI and other sectors, enhance coordination on multilateral affairs, and jointly build a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era. The two countries share extensive common ground in international and regional affairs and shoulder significant responsibilities in maintaining international and regional stability.

As evidenced by the development of China-Kyrgyzstan and China-Egypt relations, differences in history, culture, social systems and stages of development should be a source of dialogue and cooperation.

The growth of the SCO likewise shows that countries can manage their differences through dialogue, pursue common interests through cooperation and build trust through concrete results. By carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit, deepening cooperation and translating the GGI's principles into action, the SCO can make new contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.