According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, the meeting will help build more consensus among all parties and contribute to promoting security, stability and development of member countries.

Mao stressed that throughout its 23 years of existence, the SCO has upheld the “Shanghai Spirit”, based on mutual trust and benefit, equality, consultation, respect for different civilizations and the pursuit of common development.

As she advanced, the Astana Summit will be a key platform where President Xi, together with the leaders of participating countries, will exchange in-depth views on deepening cooperation in various fields and address current major international and regional issues.

“China believes this summit will further unite consensus among the parties, write a new chapter of cooperation and actively contribute to the promotion of countries’ stability and development, as well as the building of a community of shared destiny for mankind,” the spokeswoman said.

Following the Astana meeting, China will assume the rotating chairmanship of the SCO for the 2024-2025 period, the first time in seven years that the country has taken on this responsibility.

“China will bring more benefits to the peoples of the region and contribute more to the lasting peace and common prosperity of the world,” the spokeswoman emphasized.

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