On 26 February 2021, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov received a delegation from the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) led by Deputy Secretary-General Ms Chen Xiaohan.
The parties exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation between scientific and analytical circles of the SCO countries, with an emphasis on a comprehensive discussion of ways to ensure regional security and stability, as well as the development of multilateral trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties in the context of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the SCO.
The CPAPD delegation members were updated on the main SCO events planned for 2021 that aim to improve the joint mechanisms and practical interaction in combatting terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and organised crime. They heard about the SCO approaches to arms control and strategic stability, as well as the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan.
The substantive preparations for the meetings of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Heads of State Council, scheduled for the second half of this year, received special attention.
The participants expressed their readiness to promote the expansion of contacts between young scientists in the SCO, in the field of environmental protection and traditional medicine.
The parties agreed to continue their working dialogue, with an emphasis on possibilities for holding joint events, including at various international venues.
The Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) is the largest non-governmental organisation in the PRC and unites 25 large public organisations in China. It maintains contacts with more than 300 NGOs and research institutions in about 90 countries, and conducts research on disarmament, peace and security, and sustainable development. The Association aims to rally the efforts of international, state, research, analytical and public platforms through researching and discussing global problems and ways to solve them.