United front necessary for advancing into a higher phase of progress - Han Chunlin
In this report, we highlight the remarks made by China's Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin, in an article discussing China's ongoing role within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during its current presidency. The ambassador's article was published on our website.
Han Chunlin mentioned that China took up the rotating presidency of the SCO in July 2024 following the Astana summit, and has slated this year for hosting the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. The ambassador expressed his belief that the SCO, since its inception in 2001, has been dedicated to the 'Shanghai Spirit' – i.e., mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and the pursuit of common development. This commitment has led to strengthening political mutual trust, expanding good-neighborly and friendly relations, jointly safeguarding regional security, and developing practical cooperation, significantly bolstering the SCO's influence, cohesion, and appeal.
The SCO family, Han Chunlin pointed out, has grown from its initial six founding states to current ten member states, along with two observer states and 14 dialogue partner countries. These countries span across three continents, with a combined area of over 36 million square kilometers and a population of over 3.3 billion. As a result, the SCO has become one of the largest transregional international organizations in terms of territory coverage and population.
The ambassador praised the joint efforts of member states in their progress towards cooperation in six areas: political, security, economic, humanitarian, external political interaction, and institutional building. As a result, the SCO has achieved notable success in fostering effective peaceful development and has become a significant bulwark for security, a bridge for cooperation, and bonds of friendship.
During China's chairmanship of the SCO in 2023-2024, Kazakhstan actively fulfilled its duties, demonstrating a practical and effective approach to work. The Astana Summit in July 2024—a complete success— resulted in the adoption of the "Astana Declaration", the Initiative for Building a Fair and Harmonious World Based on Solidarity Among Nations, the Statement on the Principles of Neighborliness, Mutual Trust, and Partnership, and 26 other outcome documents covering a wide range of issues.
As China prepares to reclaim the chairmanship of the SCO after seven years, Han Chunlin underscored the country's commitment to strengthening unity and interaction with the SCO's member states and actively working to bring the "five common homes" concept—proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping—into reality. This would contribute to building new-type international relations and a shared destiny community characterized by mutual respect, fairness and justice, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
China will also emphasize cooperation in eight main directions within a single thematic focus during its chairmanship. The "Year of Sustainable Development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization" will see China hosting a series of events and actions in areas such as poverty reduction, food security, health and vaccines, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy, and connectivity.
In conclusion, the world is currently experiencing unprecedented changes and confronting multiple challenges, and the SCO is anticipated to play a significant role in addressing these issues. China will continue to uphold the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind and work with all countries to actively promote the "Shanghai Spirit," strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and contribute to the development of the SCO to reach new heights. This will involve improving mechanisms, deepening cooperation in various fields, faithfully implementing global development, security, and civilization initiatives, and making a greater contribution to peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
Politics and general news report that Han Chunlin, China's Ambassador to Kazakhstan, discussed China's role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during its 2023-2024 presidency, stating that China will emphasize cooperation in eight main directions for the "Year of Sustainable Development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization." Additionally, the SCO family, under Han Chunlin's comments, has grown substantially since its inception in 2001, spanning across three continents and encompassing a combined area larger than 36 million square kilometers and a population surpassing 3.3 billion.
