SCO 2018: Host China and other members issue Qingdao Declaration

Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of seven other member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) jointly issued the Qingdao Declaration in Qingdao in Shandong Province in East China.

The leaders agreed to abide by the goals and principles of the charter of the grouping, which has been joined by India and Pakistan, and carry forward the "Shanghai Spirit" and jointly pursue regional peace and development.

The Shanghai Spirit embodies the values of the SCO and stresses mutual trust and benefit, equality, pursuit of common development, among others. President Jinping stressed on the spirit during his speech at the summit's welcome dinner on Saturday, June 9.

The member states also signed agreements on issues like trade and security and people-to-people exchange. The ceremony was held at Qingdao International Convention Center on the final day of the two-day summit.

Jinping addressed a joint press conference after the ceremony. The current summit, which is the 18th in the 17-year history of the SCO, is the largest with the involvement of 18 countries - member states, dialogue partners and observer states.

"We have had an in-depth exchange of views on major international and regional issues. We have ratified an action plan for implementing the treaty on long-term good neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation of the SCO member-states," Jinping said while speaking at a joint media briefing.

The concluding day of the two-day summit commenced with a welcome ceremony and a group photo of leaders of the eight member-states.