Xi Jinping Cited Kyrgyz Proverb to Highlight SCO Unity

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the critical importance of unity for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, citing the Kyrgyz proverb "The strength for survival lies in unity" during the 19th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State held seven years ago in Bishkek, China News Agency reported.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with its summit returning to the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek. Founded a quarter-century ago in Shanghai as the first intergovernmental international organization named after a Chinese city, the SCO has expanded from six founding states into a broader family connecting 27 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

As the member nations encompass diverse religious, political, and social systems, as well as distinct development paths, the organization relies on seeking common ground while preserving differences. Xi, who has attended SCO summits since 2013, has consistently identified unity as fundamental to the bloc's development.

At the Tianjin SCO summit last September, Xi called for strengthening unity and cooperation, expanding joint projects, leveraging each country's strengths, and jointly maintaining regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity. During that same summit a year ago, the Chinese leader officially proposed the Global Governance Initiative, aimed at reforming global governance systems and advancing international equity.

The foundation of the organization remains the "Shanghai Spirit," defined by mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. Xi noted that adhering to these principles has driven the group's success and will remain vital during periods of global instability.

China News Service (CNS)