Wang Yi Meets with Outgoing SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov

On December 18, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with the outgoing Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Vladimir Norov, who is returning to Uzbekistan.

Wang Yi appreciates the contributions of Norov to the development of the SCO and the enhancement of exchanges and cooperation between the SCO and China during his tenure, and hopes that Norov will continue to play an active role in the SCO cause and China-Uzbekistan friendship.

Norov speaks highly of China's significant contributions to the development of the SCO as a founding member, appreciates the important initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping at the Dushanbe summit, and thanks China's support and assistance to him during his tenure. Norov said that under the guidance of the "Shanghai Spirit", SCO member states have adhered to equality and mutual trust, formed a sound atmosphere of unity and harmony, created a new model of international relations. SCO has witnessed its influence increasingly improve and has become the world's largest regional cooperation organization. As the rotating chair of the SCO, Uzbekistan looks forward to drawing on China's experience to prepare for next year's summit, foreign ministers' meeting and other events.

Norov said, three-year term in China has left me with wonderful and cordial memories. I had the opportunity to witness the centennial of the Communist Party of China (CPC), to participate in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, to visit 18 provinces and regions of China, and to learn more about the time-honored history and culture of China and its significant achievements in reform and development. Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, the CPC has led the Chinese people to strive for achieving the country's development and national revitalization, and has gained remarkable achievements that attract worldwide attention. China's success has brought great encouragement to the SCO countries and greatly boosted our confidence in achieving national independent development. We look forward to learning more from China's experience in national governance.

Wang Yi said that SCO member states share similar historical experiences and common development needs, with destinies and futures closely intertwined. China supports the SCO to carry out exchanges on governance, and the member states to engage in dialogue on an equal footing, learn from each other, support each other and help each other, so as to achieve better and faster development of the respective countries. Under the current circumstances, the SCO should continue to uphold and promote the "Shanghai Spirit", resolutely crack down on the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and maintain peace and stability in the region, while focusing on promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and carrying out all-round and mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to achieve further development. China supports Uzbekistan in playing its role as a rotating chair of the SCO to continuously inject new impetus into the development of the organization.