On August 18, 2026, in Beijing, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Nurlan Yermekbayev took part in an event hosted by the ASEAN–China Centre, marking the anniversary milestones of China–ASEAN cooperation, the assumption of office by the Centre's new Secretary-General Zhang Lizhong, and the completion of the mission of his predecessor Shi Zhongjun.
The meeting was attended by Shen Minjuan, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, as well as representatives from other ministries and agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, and partner institutions of the ASEAN–China Centre.
Nurlan Yermekbayev congratulated Zhang Lizhong on his new appointment, wished him every success in his work, and expressed gratitude to Shi Zhongjun for his support in fostering the Centre's interaction with the SCO Secretariat, as well as with regional and international partners.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the SCO and ASEAN Secretariats was signed on 21 April 2005 in Jakarta.