Pakistan joins SCO as full member for the first time

World
Europe

The 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, held in east China's coastal city of Qingdao, at the weekend, marks Pakistan's first participation since it was recognized as a full member state last year. As the summit's host, Chinese President Xi Jinping sends out a warm welcome.

Xi said China values its relationship with Pakistan and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges as well as strategic communication of the two sides.

He added that China will continue supporting Pakistan to choose the direction of its development independently and offer support on issues regarding core interests of the both sides if necessary.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 9, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain said he appreciates China's efforts as a "reliable friend and partner". Pakistan is willing to further promote cooperation with China in areas including trade, security and other areas.

Hussain added he hopes China could play a "bigger role" in international affairs, which he believes is significant in preserving regional peace and stability.

The SCO was established in Shanghai in 2001 with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as founding members.

The group later expanded as India and Pakistan were recognized as full members last year. It now accounts for more than 60 percent of the Eurasian landmass, nearly half of the world's population and over 20 percent of the global gross domestic product.