On 16 December 2018, SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov held a meeting with Chongqing Mayor Tang Liangzhi at the invitation of the city's People's Government.
The parties discussed current issues of cooperation between the Chongqing administration and the SCO Secretariat as well as steps to further strengthen interregional cooperation between the SCO member states, including the establishment of a forum of the SCO heads of region.
Mr Alimov stressed the importance of the introductory Meeting of the SCO Heads of Region held in Chelyabinsk for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation. He noted the planned forum's special role in establishing contacts and facilitating interaction between regions of the SCO member states and in enhancing the level of cooperation in trade, the economy, investment, industry, culture, education and tourism.
Mr Tang Liangzhi confirmed his administration's interest in Chongqing hosting the next Meeting of the SCO Heads of Region in the spring of 2019.
The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.