Dushanbe, 06.02.2016. (NIAT «Khovar»). — February 4, Beijing, at the new building of the Diplomatic Office “Lyanmatsyao» hosted a solemn reception on the occasion of the inauguration of Rashid Alimov to the post of the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, according to the organization’s website.

In his speech, the Secretary-General noted that the «SCO is an organization of new type. Mutual trust and mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultations, respect for diversity of cultures and aspiration to joint development are the fundamental principles of relations between member states of the organization. The powerful life force of the «Shanghai spirit» directs the creative energy of the SCO in maintaining peace and stability in the region in conditions when the world is undergoing profound upheavals caused by the rise of new challenges and threats, primarily international terrorism, extremism and separatism».

Rashid Alimov has underlined that «2016 is a special one in the history of the Shanghai cooperation organization: in June Tashkent will host the session of the leaders of the SCO, which will give the assessment of the activities of the organization for fifteen years. Preparations for the jubilee summit is the top priority of the SCO for 2016, which promises to be eventful and fruitful,» he said.

The Secretary-General stated that «over the past 15 years «SCO Family» has tripled: it now has 18 States, which are home to over 3 billion people. The organization has become one of the important attractive centers of a multipolar world. In this case, the organization has never been and will not be directed against anyone».

According to the Secretary-General, «2016 marks the beginning of a new spring in the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Synergetic the «Shanghai spirit», the unity and solidarity of the member states will provide the Organization with new quality, a new level of practical cooperation for a better life,» said Rashid Alimov.

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Mr. Zhang Yesui in his speech stressed that «the constructive influence of the SCO is being intensified at regional and global scales». According to him, «over the past 15 years since its establishment, the organization, adhering to the principles of the «Shanghai spirit», made great efforts to ensure regional peace and prosperity. Joint efforts have allowed achieving significant results in economic and humanitarian areas, as well as in matters of security. In this context, the SCO has become a shining example of cooperation and good neighborliness in the name of common interests».

Zhang Yesui said that «the Secretary-General of the SCO will have to shoulder historical tasks as the development of the «Shanghai spirit», clarifying the goals of the organization and coordination of efforts to implement the consensus reached by the heads of member states. I am confident that Rashid Alimov, based on his rich experience and wisdom, will make a significant contribution to the activities of the Secretariat and the overall development of the organization. As a country, on which territory the headquarters of the SCO is located, China is ready to provide full support for the activities of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat», said Zhang Yesui.

The reception was attended by over 300 guests — representatives of ministries and departments of China, heads of diplomatic missions of member states, observers and dialogue partners of the SCO, the Director of the Regional anti-terrorist structure of the SCO, ambassadors of CIS countries, European Union and other states accredited in Beijing, as well as heads of representative offices of international organizations in China. The event also saw prominent scientists, famous politicians and public figures, business representatives, Chinese and foreign media.