Xi told the visitors that over the past 24 years since its founding, the SCO has always upheld the Shanghai Spirit, developed into a mature and robust organization, and has demonstrated great vitality.

China has always prioritized the SCO in its neighborhood diplomacy, and is committed to making the organization more substantial and strong, safeguarding regional security and stability, promoting the development and prosperity of member states, and building a closer community with a shared future, he said.

He added that since China assumed the rotating chairmanship last July, it has actively carried out activities and advanced cooperation, and all sides have taken firm steps to jointly build a better home for the SCO.

Ahead of the bloc’s summit, scheduled to be held this year in the Chinese municipality of Tianjin, Xi expressed his hope to meet with the leaders of other member states at the meeting to discuss the future development of the organization.

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