Prime ministers' meeting of SCO member states opens in Beijing

• Source: Xinhua
• [16:12 October 14 2009]
• Comments

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin prior to the eighth prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 14, 2009. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

At the start of a larger session, Wen welcomed all the attendants for their being present at the 8th prime ministers' meeting.

The financial crisis has brought about negative effect on the economic growth of countries in this region, said Wen, adding that various sides have reached important consensus in deepening cooperation and jointly tackling the economic downturn within the framework of the SCO.

He noted that this prime ministers' meeting provided a sound platform for various countries to conduct exchanges and decide on specific measures in related fields.

After the meeting, the prime ministers of the SCO member states will attend a ceremony for the signing of agreements and meet the media.

Senior government officials say the meeting is the most important event of the SCO in the latter half of 2009 and the second SCO prime ministers' meeting sponsored by China since 2003.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya said in Beijing at a news briefing for the meeting last Friday that it would have a far-reaching impact in implementing the Yekaterinburg summit consensus and the treaty of long-term friendship and cooperation of SCO members, and in promoting development of the SCO and building a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious region.

The SCO comprises China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Mongolia, India, Iran and Pakistan are observers to the regional organization.