Beijing, May 23, 2023- According to STR News reports China’s SCO National Coordinator, Mr. Zhang Haizhou, addressed the SCO Media delegation in Beijing today, emphasizing the achievements and prospects of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Representatives from over 20 countries in the Eurasia region attended the meeting, marking the first visit by the SCO Media delegation to China since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Zhang Haizhou, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, extended a warm welcome to the media delegation and emphasized the importance of deepening exchanges, fostering friendship, and building a solid foundation of mutual understanding and amity within the SCO family. He expressed his views on SCO development, highlighting China’s perspective on various aspects.
In his speech, Mr. Zhang highlighted the progress made by the SCO over the past 22 years. The SCO has expanded to include eight member states, four observer states, and 14 dialogue partners, covering an area of over 34 million square kilometers and accounting for three-fifths of the Eurasian continent. With a total population exceeding 3 billion people, the SCO member states constitute 41.15 percent of the world’s population. The SCO has emerged as a comprehensive regional cooperative organization with tremendous potential for development.
Mr. Zhang emphasized several key areas of SCO development and achievements. Firstly, he highlighted the unity and mutual trust among member states, focusing on the adherence to the Shanghai Spirit and the strengthening of political mutual trust. He also emphasized the importance of security cooperation, including combating extremism and counter-terrorism efforts, and the establishment of a security mechanism to address traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
The speech also underscored the SCO’s commitment to promoting regional economic integration and improving people’s well-being. Mr. Zhang highlighted China’s active role in this regard, including the promotion of initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which has garnered support from SCO member states and led to increased trade and investment. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which have fostered mutual learning and understanding among diverse civilizations within the SCO region.
Looking to the future, Mr. Zhang outlined the SCO’s priorities. These include upholding the Shanghai Spirit, supporting each other, implementing cooperation in various fields, actively participating in global governance, expanding foreign exchanges and partnerships, and strengthening institutional construction. He expressed the SCO’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in all areas and increasing its international influence.
In the final part of his speech, Mr. Zhang briefly touched upon the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and its strategic plans for the future. He emphasized China’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy of peace, its commitment to world peace and common development, and the role of the CPC in advancing the country’s modernization. He also addressed Xinjiang-related issues, stating that they are primarily about countering violent terrorism, radicalization, and separatism, rather than human rights.
In conclusion, Mr. Zhang expressed his hope that the SCO would continue to make progress, promote regional cooperation, and contribute to a brighter future for all member states.
The SCO Media delegation will visit Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the coming days to gain firsthand experience and report on the region’s development and unique cultural heritage.
