On May 26th, the first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Political Parties Forum was opened in Shenzhen, Guangdong. Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) attended the forum and delivered a keynote speech.

Song expressed that as an important comprehensive regional organization, the SCO has continuously expanded and elevated its influence since its establishment 17 years ago. Political parties are the forerunners and bellwethers of national development, and play an important political leading role in building the community with a shared future for mankind and jointly building a better world. The enhancement of exchanges among political parties of the SCO will surely play an important promotion role in the in-depth development of the SCO.

Song expressed that the CPC is willing to work with political parties of all SCO countries to take this forum as an opportunity to promote the building of a “community with a shared future for the SCO” that treats each other on an equal footing, helps one another in defense work and shares weal and woe. It is hoped that all sides could build political consensus to consolidate unity and coordination; promote practical cooperation to deepen interest integration and cement people-to-people and cultural bonds to boost people-to-people bonds.

The SCO Political Parties Forum was chaired by the IDCPC with the theme of “gather the wisdom of parties and promote Shanghai Spirit for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind”. It is the first political parties forum held after the establishment of the SCO. The holding of the forum will create a positive and friendly atmosphere for the SCO Qingdao Summit. Nearly 200 Chinese and foreign representatives of 30-odd political parties from 18 countries including the SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners were present at invitation.

Guo Yezhou, Vice-minister of the IDCPC presided over the opening ceremony.

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