Xi says China values SCO's role in regional security, development

BEIJING, Aug. 28  -- China attaches great importance to the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in promoting regional security and development, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday as he met with chiefs of general staff of SCO members.

China stands ready to make joint efforts with all sides to ensure this year's SCO summit in Dushanbe a success and comprehensively implement the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Between the SCO Member States to give a bigger play to the organization in enhancing security, economic development and people-to-people exchanges, said Xi, who is also chairman of China' Central Military Commission.

During the meeting, Xi lauded the exchanges among the defense agencies of the SCO members and their contribution to peace and stability in the region.

Xi said China adheres to the principles of "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness" in interaction with its neighbors, and is committed to pursuing common development with the neighbors.

China will communicate with all other SCO members closely in the fight against the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and address new challenges in the region, Xi told the chiefs of general staff of the SCO members.

The generals held a round-table meeting in Beijing on Thursday.

Founded in 2001, the SCO consists of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.