Xi puts forward proposals for SCO's higher-quality development in Bishkek

Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward multiple proposals for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to shoulder its historical responsibility, steer the course for the future, achieve higher-quality development and make greater contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity during his trip to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Xi attended the SCO Summit 2026 in the city and paid a state visit to the country from Sunday to Tuesday.

On Tuesday morning, Xi attended the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO and delivered a speech titled "Toward Higher-Quality Development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization."

Xi raised a four-point proposal in the speech, calling for staying committed to putting development first and opening up the prospects for shared prosperity; staying committed to taking security as a key goal and fostering an environment of common security; staying committed to a people-centered approach and cementing the foundation for everlasting friendship; and staying committed to dialogue and consultation and striving for more equitable and orderly governance.

Leaders of the SCO member states also signed and issued the Bishkek Declaration marking the organization's 25th anniversary.

On Tuesday afternoon, Xi attended the SCO Plus meeting and delivered a speech titled "Jointly Advocating an Equal and Orderly Multipolar World and Making Global Governance More Just and Equitable."

Xi made three proposals in the speech, calling for advancing common prosperity in the vast continent straddling Asia and Europe with the SCO Strength, promoting the development and rise of the Global South through the SCO Wisdom, and guiding the reform and improvement of global governance through the SCO Action. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, Xi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Monday.

Xi wrapped up his attendance at the SCO Summit and state visit to Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday afternoon, with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev seeing him off at the airport.

Xi puts forward proposals for SCO's higher-quality development in Bishkek

Panama declared a state of emergency on Saturday to coordinate relief efforts and assist communities affected by a powerful earthquake that struck the country Friday.

The 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Panama at 12:56 local time Friday, with its epicenter about 39 km northwest of Tonosi in Los Santos province, damaging homes, schools, health facilities, roads and public buildings across several parts of the country.

The quake has left 27 people injured as of present, according to Panama's National Civil Protection System.

Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac told a press conference at the presidential palace that the declaration would ensure government agencies remain on standby and have the resources needed to assist those affected.

Orillac said President Jose Raul Mulino had ordered the creation of a commission to coordinate relief operations, manage resources and address the needs of affected communities.

The government has also set up donation collection centers, including one at Omar Park in Panama City, while provincial government offices will serve as additional collection points, he said.

Panamanian authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts.

Panama declares state of emergency after powerful quake