Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can play a more important role in safeguarding regional peace and stability while promoting development and revitalization.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev in north China's Tianjin Municipality.
Expressing appreciation for the secretary-general's dedication since assuming office, Wang noted that Yermekbayev has significantly contributed to advancing the implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders of SCO member states and has established good working relations with various departments in China.
Wang said that as a comprehensive regional organization with the world's largest population, the broadest geographical coverage, and enormous potential, the SCO is gaining increasing attention from the international community, and it can play a more important role in safeguarding regional peace and stability while promoting development and revitalization.
The SCO can also contribute to forging a new type of international relations and building a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang added.
Noting the Secretariat is the most important permanent body of the SCO, Wang said that under the secretary-general's leadership, the Secretariat will play a greater role in ensuring the efficient functioning of the SCO, coordinating the actions of all parties, and enhancing the organization's influence.
China will continue to provide support and facilitate the work of the Secretariat, Wang added.
As the SCO chair, China has organized over 90 events and advanced a series of cooperation, said Wang, calling on the secretary-general to continue supporting China in its efforts to host a friendly, cohesive and fruitful summit.
Yermekbayev said that China has proposed and implemented substantive activities, elevating cooperation among various parties to new heights.
The Secretariat will continue its full support to China's presidency and jointly facilitate the preparations for the SCO Tianjin summit to ensure fruitful outcomes, said the secretary-general.
Chinese FM meets SCO secretary-general
Chinese FM meets SCO secretary-general
Chinese FM meets SCO secretary-general
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
