Samarkand, 17 September 2022 (TDI): The President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping attended the 22nd SCO Council of Heads of States Summit. During his address, the President highlighted a number of issues and proposed to boost SCO unity.
Ride on the Trend of the Times and Enhance Solidarity and Cooperation to Embrace a Better Future — statement by President Xi at the 22nd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State
Full text: https://t.co/kzHYO0nj4W— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) September 16, 2022
The 2-day Summit took place at the Samarkand Congress Center. It was chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan as holder of this year’s SCO Presidency.
During the Summit, President Xi delivered an address entitled “Ride on the Trend of the Times and Enhance Solidarity and Cooperation to Embrace a Better Future”.
Address by Chinese President:
The President of China started his address by extending gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev for arranging the Summit. He also appreciated the country’s work to promote SCO cooperation in various fields during its presidency.
President Xi highlighted that 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the SCO Charter. It also marks the 15th anniversary of the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between the Member States.
He highlighted that over these years, SCO has done a lot to enhance cooperation and foster ties between states.
President Xi Jinping Attends the 22nd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State and Delivers Important Remarks
Full text: https://t.co/pV6t1mWcu3— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) September 16, 2022
The President highlighted that the member states have enhanced political trust among each other. They support each other in achieving peace, stability, development, and rejuvenation.
Additionally, the members of SCO have enhanced cooperation for shared benefits and enhanced synergy between our respective development strategies. The President said that this has provided a win-win situation for all partners.
Moreover, SCO has taken up the principle of equality and justice among all states. States stand for harmonious coexistence and mutual learning between different countries. Inclusivity and openness have helped the member states establish partnerships with other countries and international organizations that share our vision.
Correspondingly, the President said that these points embody the Shanghai Spirit. They are the source of strength for the development of the SCO. Therefore, the President highlighted following the spirit and making remarkable success along the way in the future.
Additionally, President Xi emphasized that now new issues are rising like the pandemic, regional conflicts, cold war mentality, and protectionism. He said that these all are a threat to peace and development so SCO should stay well-positioned in the face of changing international dynamics.
5-point Agenda:
During his address. President Xi highlighted 5 points to enhance SCO’s role in the region.
Firstly, the President said that SCO states need to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication and deepen mutual understanding. He said that states should support each other in their efforts to uphold security and development interests.
President Xi said that with mutual support can the states guard against external forces’ interference in domestic affairs.
Secondly, the President highlighted the expansion of security cooperation. He pointed out towards famous Uzbek proverb “With peace, a country enjoys prosperity, just as with rain, the land can flourish.”
Therefore, he called for states to join China in enhancing cooperative and sustainable security. The President said that for this purpose China has launched Global Security Initiative.
He highlighted working together on joint anti-terrorism exercises and cracking down on separatism and extremism, drug trafficking as well as cyber crimes. Correspondingly, he announced that China is ready to train 2,000 law enforcement personnel for SCO member states.
Thirdly, the President of China said that states should deepen cooperation. He said that the Global Development Initiative launched by China aims to foster global development partnerships.
Furthermore, the President emphasized working together on safeguarding international energy and food security. He also said that China will provide countries with emergency humanitarian assistance of grain and other supplies worth 1.5 billion RMB yuan.
Fourthly, the President said that SCO members should enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He also highlighted partnerships in education, science, technology, health, and media.
The President said that it will enhance SCO’s commitment on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation. Within this domain, the President announced that China will host the SCO forums on poverty reduction and sustainable development next year.
Lastly, the head of China said that SCO member states should uphold multilateralism. He said that SCO should remain firm in safeguarding the UN-centered international system. It should practice the common values of humanity and reject zero-sum games and bloc politics.
Peace and Development:
The Chinses President said that upholding peace and development in Eurasia is a shared goal under SCO. He said that enhancing its role, admitting new states, and launching joint cooperation opportunities will help increase the peace and development of the region.
Correspondingly, he welcomed the accession of Iran as a member state and Bahrain, the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Myanmar as dialogue partners. Additionally, he congratulated India on assuming the next SCO presidency.
On the occasion, the President also emphasized the complex and challenging development environment faced by the world.
He said that China has made stable advancements in ensuring effective COVID-19 containment, economic stability, and development security. Additionally, he highlighted the fundamentals of China’s economy, characterized by strong resilience, enormous potential, and long-term sustainability.
The President highlighted that it will boost the stability and recovery of the world economy and provide more market opportunities for other countries.
During his address, the President also pointed out the upcoming 20th National Congress by the Communist Party of China.
In conclusion, President Xi underscored to act together in the Shanghai Spirit, work for the steady development of the SCO, and jointly build the region into a peaceful, stable, and prosperous home.
SCO Summit:
The SCO Council of Heads of States was held from 15 to 16 September in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. during the Summit, member states discussed issues of regional and international dynamics.
They also discussed the implementation of effective policies amid the rising inflation and economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.
It was attended by leaders of SCO member states and observer status partners. This included heads from Russia, Iran, Pakistan, India, and many other states.
Also Read: SCO Summit 2022 wrap up
The Summit also provided an opportunity for the heads to hold bilateral meetings and enhance cooperation.
