Interaction between Russia and China on the platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) does not suppress other member countries of the association and ensures productive interaction with them in all directions, SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming told TASS on Tuesday.
"I emphasize that the importance of the Russian-Chinese tandem in the SCO in no way implies its special, or leading status, with other member states remaining led," he said at the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan.
The head of the organization recalled that during more than 20 years since the SCO's creation, the organization "has achieved significant results in various areas of cooperation, including through the support and personal involvement of heads of member states." "China and Russia are among the SCO's founding countries that have made important contributions to its establishment and development," Zhang Ming added.
As he noted, the fundamental principle of the SCO is the full and unconditional equality of all members, regardless of their levels of economic development, and the invariable consideration of the interests of all participants.
"We may say that the size of the financial and economic potential of the SCO member-states means their additional responsibilities, but not any additional rights or privileges," added the secretary-general. - "I am convinced that upholding this vision helps to establish multipolarity, promote the democratization of international relations and maintain peace and stability throughout the world."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: sco-russia2020.ru/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS