TEHRAN- Since I arrived in Iran nearly two months ago, I have often heard Iranian friends talk about their expectations for Iran to expand international cooperation under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

On July 4, the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State was held in Astana. During the summit, President Xi Jinping had in-depth exchange of views with leaders of participating countries on deepening cooperation across the board under the new circumstances and on major international and regional issues of the day, and planned for the future development of the SCO.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that, the SCO has withstood the test of the changing international landscape, the root cause of which lies in the fact that SCO members remain committed to the fine tradition of solidarity and coordination, the way of cooperation featuring equality and mutual benefit, the value pursuit on fairness and justice, and the broad-mindedness of inclusiveness and mutual learning. We should stay true to the original aspiration, continue to uphold the "Shanghai Spirit", help each other on their respective path to success, jointly maintain the development direction of the SCO, and build the organization into a reliable backbone for common prosperity and revitalization of its member states. This summit helped build more consensus, opened up a new chapter of cooperation and contributes to the security, stability, development and prosperity of all countries and to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The number of SCO has become 10 after 23 years of its establishment. Together with its observer states and dialogue partners, the SCO "big family" are covering 26 countries on three continents around the world, the foundation for SCO cooperation has become more solid. The SCO has become a comprehensive regional organization that covers the largest population and area in the world. The member states have upheld the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development.

President Xi Jinping stressed that, we need to bear in mind that we live in a community with a shared future, and always uphold the Shanghai Spirit. We need to stay firmly on the development paths that suit our respective national conditions and regional realities, and jointly build a more promising home of the SCO so that our peoples can live a peaceful, successful and happy life. People from all walks of life in Iran responded positively, reckoning that President Xi Jinping’s statement pointed out the direction for the future development of the SCO and helped promote the building of closer SCO community with a shared future.

China and Iran are both important developing countries and both adhere to true multilateralism. Since Iran successfully joined the SCO one year ago, it has actively participated in various cooperation under the SCO framework and achieved fruitful results. Iran's joining to the SCO has injected new vitality into it, which is in line with the expectations of the international community and the common interests of emerging market countries and developing countries.

After the Astana summit, China will assume the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-2025. China stands ready to work with Iran and other SCO partners under the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, enhance solidarity and mutual trust, build consensus on cooperation, expand cooperation across the board, actively participate in global governance, and advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative to contribute more SCO strength to the lasting peace and common prosperity of the world.