1. In the 21st century interdependence of states has grown sharply, security and development are becoming inseparable. None of the modern international problems can be settled by force, and the role of force factor in global and regional politics is diminishing objectively.

Reliance on a solution based solely on the use of force faces no prospects. It hinders comprehensive settlement of local conflicts; effective resolution of existing problems can be possible only with due regard for the interests of all parties, through their involvement in a process of negotiations, not through isolation. Attempts to strengthen one's own security to the prejudice of security of others do not assist the maintenance of global security and stability.

The participants of the Dushanbe meeting underline the need to respect historical and cultural traditions of every state and every people and the efforts aimed to preserve, in accordance with international law, unity and territorial integrity of states as well as to encourage good-neighborly relations among peoples and their common development.

2. Search for effective response to common challenges and threats that are global in nature must be conducted in strict accordance with the UN Charter and generally accepted norms of the international law, by uniting the efforts of all states, overcoming the confrontation mentality, bloc politics and unipolarity, and using the means of multilateral diplomacy.

The member states of the SCO believe that in modern circumstances the international security must be built on the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation. The creation of a global antimissile defense system does not assist the maintenance of strategic balance, international efforts on weapons control and nuclear non-proliferation, and strengthening of trust among states and regional stability.

3. The member states of the SCO express their deep concern in connection with the recent tension around the issue of South Ossetia, and call on the relevant parties to resolve existing problems in a peaceful way through dialogue, and to make efforts for reconciliation and facilitation of negotiations.

The member states of the SCO welcome the approval on August 12, 2008 in Moscow of the six principles of settling the conflict in South Ossetia, and support the active role of Russia in promoting peace and cooperation in the region.

4. The member states of the SCO reaffirm their commitment to preventive diplomacy as an important tool for effective settlement of the problems of security protection and development, as well as to strengthening the key role of the UN in the field of crisis prevention.

The member states of the SCO proceed from the assumption that articles of the UN Charter, resolutions of the Security Council and norms of the international law serve as the legitimate base for conflict prevention, and the UN Security Council whose main responsibility lies in maintaining international peace and security is to play a defining role in this field.

Noting the increasingly active role and growing potential of regional organizations in the field of preventive diplomacy the member states of the SCO stand up for comprehensive development and enhancement of cooperation between the UN and regional bodies in accordance with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.

5. The member states of the Organization stand up for broad international collaboration in resolving the problem of resources supply to satisfy the needs of mankind without damaging the environment, in achieving the goals of global development, e.g. closing the technological gap among states and elimination of poverty by providing all states equal access to the advantages of globalization.

Against the backdrop of a slowdown in the growth of world economy pursuing a responsible currency and financial policy, control over the capital flowing and ensuring food and energy security have been gaining special significance.

6. The member states of the SCO express satisfaction at the increased interaction in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism in the framework of the Organization, and intend to raise cooperation of the member states in the field of ensuring security to a qualitatively new level by using the means of the Regional Antiterrorist Structure of the SCO.

The member states of the SCO reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the central coordinating role of the UN in mounting an international response to the threat of terrorism, consistent implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy, and earliest possible approval of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

The member states of the SCO are determined to counter the attempts of spreading terrorist ideology, and stand ready to interact closely in implementing Resolution 1624 of the UN Security Council, as well as in promoting dialogue among civilizations and cultures. In this regard it is also essential to rely on the potential of civil society, business circles, mass media and non-governmental organizations.

7. The heads of state stress the importance of the adoption at the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly of Resolution 62/17 "Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security" and express their readiness to jointly assist the fulfillment of its recommendations.

The heads of state note the fruitful work under the auspices of the SCO on creating international legal framework and practical mechanisms of cooperation in the field of ensuring international information security.

8. The heads of state stand up for deepening interaction between the SCO and the United Nations Organization, as well as the Commonwealth of Independent States, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Eurasian Economic Community, Collective Security Treaty Organization, Economic Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on the basis of the signed memoranda of mutual understanding.

9. The heads of state underline the importance of developing dialogue among the member states of the Organization over issues of effective and rational use of water and energy resources with due regard for the interests of parties.