Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying’s during his regular press conference on Thursday commented on Pakistan and India being admitted to the SCO.
“Over the past 17 years since the inception of the SCO, the member states have been working to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in the fields of security, economy and people-to-people exchanges, and carry out extensive international interactions under the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and pursuit of common development. These efforts have made enormous contributions to upholding regional security and stability and promoting common development and prosperity. After the admission of Pakistan and India, the SCO has become a comprehensive regional organisation with the largest population and geographic coverage and immense potential. It will surely play a more positive role in the regional and international affairs,” he said.
During the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting on April 24, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and foreign ministers of other member states including Pakistan and India exchanged views in great depth and reached important consensus on the Qingdao Summit preparations and the SCO development. The foreign ministers agreed that they will carry forward the “Shanghai Spirit”, remain true to their original aspirations, keep pace with the times, enhance solidarity and mutual trust, deepen cooperation across the board, and build a new type of international relations featuring mutual trust, equity, justice and win-win cooperation and a community of a shared future for all mankind. All parties reaffirmed their support to China in making best preparations for the Qingdao Summit as the rotating chair to ensure the success of the Summit and propel the development of the SCO at a new starting point.
