Member states pledge to make SCO greater player on world stage (II)

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers also reiterated that the organization's development was not targeted at any country or region.

Li said the foreign ministers reaffirmed at the meeting that this organization is open to other countries and not targeted at any third party, and the SCO is ready to improve exchanges and cooperation in broad areas with other countries and international organizations.

In 2004 and 2005, the SCO accepted Mongolia, Iran, Indonesia and India as observers. The organization has also set up official links with many international agencies including the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"We've always hoped to improve cooperation and exchanges with other international organizations. Such cooperation benefits the interests of all member states and helps upgrade the SCO's status, increase its influence and promote regional development," Kazakhstan's Tokayev said.

"Facing all the opportunities and challenges, the member countries should improve pragmatic cooperation to achieve common security, development and prosperity with collective wisdom and strength," China's Li said.

"After five years of development, it (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) has become a crucial constructive force on the world stage," Li said.

Source: Xinhua