BEIJING, March 14 -- China welcomed Azerbaijan as a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks in a meeting with his counterpart of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammedyarov here on Monday, who signed a memorandum in Beijing with SCO Secretary-General Rashid Olimov marking the partnership.

Wang said he believed Azerbaijan would work with other SCO member states and observers to carry forward the Shanghai spirit.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on construction of the Belt and Road.

Founded in 2001, the SCO consists of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan are observers.