Xi's Kazakhstan trip cements broader B&R, SCO cooperation

President Xi Jinping, other leaders and guests pose for a group photo before the opening ceremony of the Expo 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 9, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The SCO accepted India and Pakistan as its full members on Friday in its first expansion since its founding in 2001, making it the world's most populous regional cooperative organization and the largest by area.

The founding members of the SCO are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Welcoming the new members, Xi called on the SCO to "carry forward the fine tradition of solidarity and coordination."

"All member states, old and new, should work in close coordination, deepen mutual trust and increase mutual support in their endeavor to build a community of shared future featuring equality, mutual support, solidarity and sharing of weal and woe," Xi said while addressing the annual gathering of the SCO heads of state.

The Chinese president, along with other SCO leaders, signed seven resolutions including a joint declaration, a press communique, a statement on jointly combating international terrorism and a treaty on anti-extremism.

Besides the historic enlargement of the SCO, Li said the summit also decided to carry forward the "Shanghai Spirit" featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development.

Summing up the achievements of the summit, the Chinese assistant foreign minister noted that the SCO members vowed to promote a more just and equitable international order and build a community of shared future for mankind.

By sticking to the "Shanghai Spirit" and taking solid steps in building a community of shared future, the SCO has set up a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation, said Xi.

China took over the rotating chair of the SCO after the Astana summit concluded on Friday and will host its next summit in June 2018.

Xi said China will contribute an additional 10 million yuan ($1.47 million) to the SCO Secretariat to facilitate its work, and proposed setting up a media cooperation mechanism among the SCO member states, saying China would like to host the first SCO media summit.

On security issues, the Chinese president said the SCO should continue to give priority to maintaining regional security and stability, calling for an outline of cooperation plan on combating terrorism, extremism and separatism known as the "three evil forces" for the next three years.

He also proposed that the SCO draw up a five-year outline for implementation of the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.