On 19 August 2018, SCO Secretary-GeneralRashid Alimov sent a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, offering condolences in connection with the death of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
The letter reads:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Kofi Annan’s death. Together with the UN, we mourn the loss of an outstanding son of the UN who devoted his entire life to serving the cause of peace and constructive work.
“While addressing highly demanding tasks as UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan made a tremendous contribution to maintaining international peace and security, resolving conflicts and advancing the unshakeable goals and principles of the UN.
“Kofi Annan was truly a man of the world who fought for global peace.
“Kofi Annan devoted much attention tostrengthening cooperation and expanding close partnership relations between the UN and regional organisations. During his tenure as UN Secretary-General, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation received observer status at the UN and established a working relationship with the UN Secretariat.
“We offer our deep condolences to Kofi Annan’sfamily and loved ones, the staff of the UN Secretariat, all all friends and colleagues of this great man and diplomat.”
Rashid Alimov
Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
19 August 2018