On June 16th, the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Taihe Institute jointly held the seminar on “Cultural Exchanges and Mutual Learning of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization”. The SCO Secretary-General Rashid Alimov, Deputy Secretary-General Wang Kaiwen, Deputy Secretary-General Aizada Subakozhoyeva, President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs Wu Hailong, Taihe Institute’s Chairman Peng Binge and some Senior Researchers of Taihe Institute attended the seminar. Ms. Irina Bokova, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute and the Former Director-General of UNESCO joined the online seminar. The seminar was hosted by Xiaobo Wang, Vice Chairman of the Taihe Institute.

The Secretary-General Rashid Alimov received an interview at Taihe Institute with the domestic and foreign journalists, including, among others, journalists from Bloomberg, Russia Today, Xinhua News Agency, People.cn, Huanqiu.com, Hong Kong Wenweipo, Hong Kong Takungpao, Hong Kong Ming Pao, China News Service, ChinaSo and National Business Daily.

In the event, the Secretary-General disclosed for the first time that the SCO was about to sign a memorandum of cooperation with the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee and the newly established UN Counter-Terrorism Authority. At present, all parties have agreed on the relevant issues, and the SCO’s international counter-terrorism cooperation will enter into a new stage. Mr. Alimov said that maintaining regional security and stability is the primary concern of the SCO member states, and the Qingdao Summit has made a series of achievements in this regard. Since its establishment, the SCO has made remarkable achievements in counter-terrorism, drug control and other aspects and its voice in the United Nations and on other international stages is becoming louder and louder. Meanwhile, its scope of concern in the security field is also expanding to cyber security. As the SCO continues to develop, it has become more attractive to an increasing number of countries as well as international and regional organizations who have expressed willingness to cooperate. To further enhance and expand its international partnerships, the SCO should provide solid legal protection for its fellow organizations.  The Qingdao Summit is a new starting point for the SCO development and has opened a new chapter. In the future, the SCO should take full advantage of its unique geographical location and its wealth of both human and natural resources in order to promote regional economic development and play a more powerful role in the world. Secretary-General Alimov said that he can feel a powerful impact when talking with President Xi Jinping. President Xi is wise and approachable, and has rather profound thinking for the future of China and the world, which is admirable.

During the discussion, President Wu Hailong analyzed the situation that the SCO now faces. He highlighted the new opportunities which have risen after the expansion of the organization from external to internal. He put forward suggestions for the construction and development of the SCO in the future from an observer’s perspective. First, we should continue to adhere to and develop the Shanghai Spirit and build the “SCO community of a shared future”. Second, we need to further enhance the overall strength of the SCO and continuously improve its role and influence around the globe. Third, we should properly coordinate the different interests of the SCO member states. Fourth, we need to fully and effectively implement the fruits of the Qingdao Summit. Fifth, we need to further strengthen the development of the SCO Secretariat from the aspects of mechanism and personnel. Sixth, we should make the cooperation with other international organizations stronger and expand the international partnership network.

Yin Shuguang, deputy chief editor of the Hongkong Wenweipo, several Senior Researchers of Taihe Institute, Jiang Bingxin, Yu Hongjun, Wu Yihong, Yang Wenming, Jia Jianping, Sun Yongfu and Chen Liangzi were also fully involved in the discussion.

In the future, Taihe Institute will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the SCO Secretariat, the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs and other influential organizations and institutes both at home and abroad. The goal is to build wider, more diversified platforms as well as promoting the exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations in the world.