Xi attends SCO summit, calls for unity, coordination

Xi pointed out that member states have embraced the development philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared growth, synergized national development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives, which has helped promote coordination in the economic development.

Member states have carried forward the spirit of good-neighborliness, and advocated equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness between civilizations, and called for peaceful coexistence and harmonious development of different civilizations, he said.

He noted member states have upheld international fairness and justice, opposed hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts, and built partnerships featuring dialogue instead of confrontation, cooperation instead of alliance, strengthening the progressive forces for world peace and stability.

"More and more countries have realized that the SCO is not an exclusive 'small circle,' but a new type of international organization with vitality and openness. The accession of new members will help the SCO play a positive role on a larger scale," said Li Yongquan, an expert with the Development Research Center of the State Council of China.

Leaders attending the summit spoke highly of the remarkable achievements of the SCO in its development, welcoming Iran to become a full member and hoping Belarus will complete the procedures for joining the SCO as soon as possible.

They noted that the SCO has been growing with increasing international influence, making important contributions to deepening good-neighborliness and friendship, safeguarding the common interests of member states, promoting lasting peace and stability in the region and the world, and promoting sustainable development. They said it has become a model of mutual trust, equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation.

They said member states should further carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, enhance mutual understanding and cooperation, promote regional economic cooperation, and oppose ideological confrontation, division and discrimination.

They agreed member states should strengthen regional connectivity and the building of major corridors, support the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with the building of the Eurasian Economic Union, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, finance, energy, science and technology, environmental protection, digital economy and people-to-people exchanges, and jointly address global challenges such as the food and energy crises and climate change.

They also called for joint efforts to combat the forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism and uphold genuine multilateralism, support the United Nations in playing a leading role and strengthen global governance.

It was decided at the summit that Kazakhstan will take over the rotating presidency of the SCO in 2023-2024.

The summit was hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gathering Xi and leaders from member states Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as observer states Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia.