On 28 December 2018, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Rashid Alimov had a meeting with State Councillor and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi at the Zhongnanhai residence in Beijing.
The head of the Chinese diplomacy spoke highly of Mr Alimov's performance as SCO Secretary-General. "China greatly appreciates your work as Secretary-General. During this period the organisation reached a whole new level in its development. It is under your tenure that historic decisions to accept new members were taken, and important summits took place, including the Qingdao Summit, which opened new horizons for multi-faceted cooperation," Wang Yi said, adding that "it is thanks to your efforts and creative ideas that the SCO raised awareness of its operations and enhanced its profile on the international stage. If we were to grade your performance, we would definitely give you an excellent mark."
Wang Yi went on to say that in the rapidly changing and unpredictable international environment "the SCO serves as a model for building interstate relations of a new kind with a solid foundation provided by the SCO Charter, while the Shanghai Spirit, which guides its activities, is consistent with the realities of today's world." The Minister expressed confidence in the future of the organisation in terms of developing and unleashing its potential, expressing hope that SCO member states will continue to work together on countering challenges and threats and overcoming difficulties.
SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov briefly informed Minister Wang Yi about the activities and achievements of the SCO Secretariat over the three-year period, as well as proposals and initiatives on security, economics, culture, sports, media outreach, women's and youth movements supported by SCO member countries, and also shared some new plans and proposals that are in the pipeline.
Mr Alimov expressed his deep gratitude to China as the host country for its trust and all-round assistance, as well as supporting him during his tenure as SCO Secretary-General.
The meeting took place in a friendly and warm atmosphere.
The meeting was followed by an official dinner on behalf of State Councillor and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi in honour of SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov.
Mr Alimov's term as the SCO Secretary-General expires on December 31, 2018.