On 3 June 2021, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, members of the SCO Ambassadors Club from among the ambassadors of the SCO member states to China and permanent representatives of the SCO member states to the SCO Secretariat met with Ms Shen Yueyue, Vice Chairperson of China's NPC Standing Committee.
During the meeting, SCO Secretary-General Norov noted that today the SCO has become an influential Organisation, whose voice is increasingly reckoned with on the international arena, and an increasing number of states are striving to cooperate with it. The Shanghai Spirit has proven its vitality as well as international appeal.
Speaking about celebrations of the centenary of the Communist Party of China, Mr Norov drew attention to the fact that Hubei Province occupies a special place in the history of the party, since those generals who played an important role in the creation of the People's Republic of China live there, and it is also a significant place for many important historical events that took place in the early days of the Communist Party.
Mr Norov expressed his gratitude to the leadership of China's SCO Committee on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation and the organising committee of the SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship, and the leadership of Hubei Province for holding the SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship, which is being held at the initiative of President of the People's Republic of China Mr Xi Jinping.
In this context, Mr Norov noted that the SCO Committee on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, created in China in 2013, actively promotes the strengthening of friendship between the peoples of the SCO member states, deepening the social and public basis for the long-term development of good-neighbourliness between the member states by promoting culture, scientific exchanges, youth contacts, social organisations, and so on.
Noting the symbolism of the venue, the Secretary-General pointed to the significance of the Forum in Wuhan, which just over a year ago fell victim to the brutal blow of the coronavirus epidemic. In its heroic fight against the epidemic, the Hubei Province demonstrated an unwavering spirit that puts people's lives and health above all else.
In turn, Ms Shen Yueyue noted the importance of the SCO Forum on People-to-People Friendship for strengthening cooperation within the SCO. This Forum, amid growing instability factors, undoubtedly contributes to the maintenance of security in the region and increases its influence on the international arena.
In conclusion, Ms Shen Yueyue emphasised that over 20 years of SCO activity, it has confirmed its high authority, achieved serious results and in today's difficult conditions continues to adhere to the principles of the Shanghai Spirit.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to China Zohir Ozod Saidzoda delivered a welcoming speech at the event.
The ambassador noted that this year, taking into account its symbolic significance, was declared the Year of Culture of the SCO Member States, and a number of practical events in the interests of strengthening intercivilizational dialogue will be held in Dushanbe, as part of the chairmanship of the Republic of Tajikistan in the SCO this year.
Zohir Ozod Saidzoda noted that the anniversary meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council is scheduled for 16-17 September 2021 in Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan, currently chairing the Organisation.