BEIJING: International experts have applauded Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana. They have told China Media Group (CMG) that Xi’s speech helps strengthen solidarity and mutual trust among the SCO member states, promote the development and growth of the organization, and improve world peace and development.
Yersultan Zhanseitov, a senior researcher at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, said that Xi’s speech stressed the importance of the “Shanghai Spirit,” which he said rejects bloc confrontation and features cooperation on the basis of mutual respect.
“Building a new and fair world order requires adhering to the principle of mutual respect, which is also in line with the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, proposed by Xi,” said the researcher.
Andrei Kortunov, the academic director of the Russian International Affairs Council, praised the three global initiatives proposed by Xi, namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. He said China has great influence in the SCO and the three initiatives will lead the organization to keep developing and moving forward.
“I think China’s presidency of the SCO will push forward not only the security agenda but also the development agenda,” Kortunov said.
Farhat Asif, president of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, agreed with Xi that the SCO stands on the right side of history. He said that “the organization delivers a message of cooperation, dialogue and common development.”
Experts also voiced their belief that the SCO is becoming a globally influential organization, with the “Shanghai Spirit” being recognized by more and more countries, saying it is a vivid demonstration of a new type of international relations.
“President Xi proposed fostering a sense of a community with a shared future. Relevant initiatives have become an important mechanism for mutual support and cooperation among SCO members,” said Chea Monyrith, president of the Chinese Cambodian Evolution Researcher Association.
Srdan Milivojevic, a Serbian politician, said he agrees with Xi’s opinion that solidarity and cooperation are the experience of the SCO’s success, adding that it’s also the inevitable choice for the SCO to adapt to the new situation.
He said he has high expectations for China’s presidency of the SCO, as China advocates a multi-polar world featuring equality, order, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.
“We expect China to better promote genuine multilateralism on the international stage on behalf of developing countries,” said Milivojevic. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
