Xi stresses unity at first SCO summit since expansion

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05:38

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday highlighted the Shanghai Spirit at the welcome banquet of the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province, calling for "unity and harmony" among member states.

Noting that Shandong is the home province of Confucius and the birthplace of Confucianism, Xi said Confucianism's emphasis on "unity and harmony" has much in common with the Shanghai Spirit.

As the backbone of the SCO, the Shanghai Spirit refers to a set of values including mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development.

"The Shanghai Spirit's focus on seeking common ground while setting aside differences and pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation has won widespread international endorsement and support," said the Chinese president.

Xi made the remarks as leaders of SCO countries gather for their first summit after the SCO's expansion last year. With the admission of India and Pakistan as full members, the regional bloc now has eight member states, four observer states and six dialogue partners.

Earlier on Saturday, the Chinese president held separate meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, who are in Qingdao for the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province, June 9, 2018. /Reuters Photo

"The SCO has become an important force for upholding regional security, promoting common development and improving global governance," Xi said in his address, adding that leaders of the member states will "draw up a blueprint" for the organization's future growth on Sunday.

The leaders will sign the Qingdao Declaration and a dozen agreements on security and economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges during the two-day summit, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

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