Chinese Premier Li Keqiang gave further advice on deepening regional cooperation when attending the 19th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Beijing on Monday.

The meeting, with India as the host country, was held via video link.

During the meeting, Li highlighted the importance of creating a safe and stable environment for national development while continue to deepening SCO cooperation and cementing the broad consensuses reached by members.

He called for inclusive cooperation to enhance trade liberalization and facilitation and ensure the industry and supply chain's stability.

Underlining the leading role of technology and innovation, Li suggested developing more cooperation opportunities in emerging industries such as the digital economy so as to realize high-level economic development and "green recovery."

The premier said China stays committed to a people-centered principle regarding cooperation on pandemic prevention and vaccine development, adding the country will contribute to the accessibility and affordability of the vaccine.

China firmly upholds the opening-up strategy featuring mutual benefits and win-win cooperation, Li said, vowing the country will work jointly with other members on efforts to uphold multilateralism and free trade, combat terrorism, and safeguard regional security and stability.

The meeting's attendees spoke highly of the important progress achieved in various fields of SCO cooperation, saying the SCO has become an important platform for promoting the development of all member states and maintaining regional peace and stability. 

All parties pledged to work together to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, enhance capacity building of member states in public health, and make joint efforts in vaccine and medicine research and development. 

They also vowed to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, promote trade, investment and personnel exchanges, facilitate cooperation in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, tap the potential in interconnectivity, and speed up economic recovery in the post-pandemic era. 

In addition, they agreed to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms, safeguard regional security and stability, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and create solid public support for mutually beneficial cooperation. 

Premier Li and the leaders of other member states signed a joint communique and approved a series of agreements and resolutions on SCO cooperation in trade and other areas. 

(With input from Xinhua)