Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Yucheng delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2021 SCO International Investment and Trade Expo in Qingdao, Shandong province on April 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In light of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this year, China is looking forward to furthering exchanges and cooperation with member countries, Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Yucheng noted during the opening ceremony of the 2021 SCO International Investment and Trade Expo in Qingdao, Shandong province on April 26.

Le said that the city of Qingdao has been playing an important role in strengthening practical cooperation between SCO member countries since the China-SCO demonstration zone launched in Qingdao during the SCO Qingdao summit in 2018.

The zone has over the past three years contributed to SCO members' efforts to make the regional bloc an even stronger powerhouse in terms of boosting common development, preserving collective security, and stepping up exchanges in the region and beyond.

Le said that Qingdao, as a port city, is promoting comprehensive opening up. The city has achieved remarkable results in developing international shipping, trade, and financial cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support and promote cooperation between Shandong and Qingdao and SCO countries with all necessary services.

Founded in 2001, the SCO's primary mission is to build mutual trust and boost collective security, a vision in sharp contrast with the confrontational zero-sum Cold War mentality. The SCO's bedrock principle, the "Shanghai Spirit," featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and the pursuit of common development, has proved to be effective in building a new type of international relations highlighting mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation.

After 20 years of growth, the SCO now represents nearly half of the world's population and over 20 percent of global gross domestic product. It has developed into a positive force for promoting world peace and development.