Madam President,

I thank Secretary-General Guterres, Secretary-General Alimov and Director Sysoyev for their statements. I also thank the mission of Kyrgyzstan for organizing this high-level special event.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has an important influence in regional and international affairs. Over the past 17 years since its inception, guided by the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity and aspiration for common development, the SCO Member States have continuously increased political mutual trust and cooperation in security, economic and cultural fields. Through extensive international cooperation, the SCO has achieved positive results in combating terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime, making important contribution to regional security and shared prosperity. The SCO has become a comprehensive regional organization with great potential and a coverage of the largest population and landmass, and will play a more active role in regional and international affairs.

The SCO enjoys close cooperation with the United Nations. The "Shanghai Spirit" conforms to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Closer cooperation between the SCO and the United Nations has injected strong impetus to the efforts of the international community to achieve peace, stability and common development. The SCO and the United Nations have carried out cooperation of various forms on Afghanistan and other hotspot issues, counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, education, science and culture. China supports the UN General Assembly in adopting the draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the SCO and appreciates the efforts of Kyrgyzstan in this regard.

Madam President,

In June this year, the 18th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO was held in Qingdao, China. Heads of state or government from 12 countries, heads of 10 international organizations or institutions gathered in Qingdao and reached a series of important consensus. 23 cooperation documents were signed, more than any previous summit. The Qingdao Declaration states clearly that it is important to expand exchanges and cooperation between the SCO and the United Nations, its specialized agencies and other regional and international organizations.

As a founding member of the SCO, China will continue to work with all parties to carry forward the "Shanghai Spirit" and implement the outcomes of the Qingdao Summit. We will support the SCO in increasing cooperation with the United Nations and advancing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Thank you, Madam President.