Beijing, 6 January 2022 (TDI): Zhang Ming, a senior Chinese diplomat has assumed the role of the new Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Zhang Ming will be succeeding Vladimir Norov, the former Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan.
Previously, Ambassador Zhang Ming was serving as the Head of the Chinese Mission to the European Union. He will take over the office as Secretary-General of SCO for a three-year term.
Remarks of Spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry
Commenting on this recent development, Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stated that the assignation is in accordance with the relevant SCO rules. Besides, it has been approved by the SCO Heads of State Council.
The spokesperson highlighted that Secretary-General Zhang Ming is a veteran diplomat and possesses rich experience in the realm of multilateral diplomacy. It is believed that Zhang Ming will work to bring the SCO to new heights like his predecessors.
Wang Wenbin further underscored that China as the host country of the SCO Secretariat will stay committed to supporting the Secretariat as well as the Secretary-General. In addition, it is willing to work with all parties as per the “Shanghai spirit.”
China strives to deepen collaboration in security, economy, political, and trade connectivity, along with cultural, people-to-people, and other fields, for building a close-knitted SCO community with a shared future. Moreover, it will contribute the “SCO strength” to boosting development and peace in the region and beyond.
The SCO was established in 2001 at a summit in Shanghai by the Presidents of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan. The organization is headquartered in SCO.
It is an intergovernmental organization with political, economic, and security contours. The main objectives of the organization are to promote cooperation in political affairs, economics and trade, educational spheres, scientific-technical, cultural, as well as transportation, tourism, and environmental protection, energy.
