BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- As an important founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China stands ready to work with other member states to jointly build a closer SCO community with a shared future, a senior Chinese diplomat told reporters in Beijing.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng made the remarks after the conclusion of the 20th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.
In view of the current COVID-19 situation, the SCO member states decided to hold the summit via video at the suggestion of Russia, which holds the rotating SCO presidency this year.
The leaders of the SCO member states signed and issued a summit declaration. They also issued six statements and approved cooperation documents covering health care, sub-national development, foreign exchanges and other fields, according to Le.
Noting that international and regional situations are evolving in a complex and profound way, Le said the SCO faces new opportunities and challenges in its development. Under these circumstances, the SCO successfully held a video summit and achieved fruitful results, which are of great significance and have far-reaching influence.
The leaders of the participating countries congratulated China on its major strategic achievements in the fight against COVID-19 and thanked the country for its strong support in that regard, Le said, adding that the leaders had spoken highly of a series of important cooperation initiatives put forward by China.
The SCO summit has strengthened the confidence and determination of all parties in the fight against the pandemic, made clear the future mission of the SCO, established priorities for deepening SCO cooperation, and consolidated the international consensus on multilateralism, Le said.
Since its founding 19 years ago, the SCO has maintained a sound and steady development momentum and successfully explored a new cooperation and development path for regional organizations, Le said. He noted that under the current circumstances, the SCO is shouldering a more important mission in safeguarding regional security and stability and promoting the development and prosperity of all countries.
"As an important founding member of the SCO, China stands ready to work with other member states to earnestly implement the consensus reached at the summit, carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, upgrade cooperation in various fields, and jointly build a closer SCO community with a shared future," said Le. Enditem
