The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Monday pledged to work together to enhance cultural and tourism cooperation in a bid to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
The pledge was made at the 22nd meeting of the SCO Ministers of Culture and a conference of tourism department leaders from SCO member states held in Qingdao, east China's Shangdong Province.
China, which holds the rotating presidency of the SCO, presided over both sessions attended by officials and representatives of the ten SCO member states, as well as the SCO secretary-general Nurlan Yermekbayev.
At the meeting, the representatives agreed that cooperation among SCO member states in culture and tourism has become increasingly close in recent years, improving the quality and effectiveness of exchanges among them.
They emphasized the importance of innovative collaboration to forge deeper partnerships and highlighted events like "Cultural Year" and "Tourism Year" as ways to foster understanding and friendship among the people of member states.
The SCO should continue to promote the "Shanghai Spirit," respect diverse cultures, and deepen tourism cooperation for shared development, they said.
The member states will use the upcoming SCO summit in China's Tianjin as an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity, according to the representatives.
The day concluded with a vibrant art festival and youth concert at Qingdao's Olympic Sailing Center, celebrating the SCO's cultural diversity.
SCO member states vow to foster cultural, tourism cooperation
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
