Premier Li Keqiang hailed the cooperation and harmony among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Dec 14.

He made the remarks at a banquet welcoming leaders attending the 14th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Heads of government from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, as well as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia and other countries are participating in the two-day meeting in Zhengzhou, Henan province, where they will discuss cooperation in various fields.

Premier Li said that by adhering to the “Shanghai Spirit” in the past 14 years, whose focus is mutual trust and benefit, consultation, respect of diversified cultures, and common development, the SCO has seen the development of good neighborly and friendly relations and win-win cooperation.

He said the SCO pursues the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation and opening up, and participating in regional and international affairs to promote stability, peace and prosperity.

The participation of leaders of member states and those states that have observer status as well as leaders of relevant international organizations and institutions shows the increasing influence of the SCO and the profound friendship and great atmosphere within the family of the SCO, the Premier added.

China expects this meeting will promote better coordination in national development strategies among member states, push forward international capacity cooperation and exchange views on issues of common concern, he said.

The Premier said the host city of the meeting is located in Central China's Henan province, which is the cradle of the Chinese people as well as the Chinese civilization that has existed for 5,000 years.

The province also plays an important role in China's pursuit for modernization and reform and opening up. In addition, it is closely connected with SCO member states and observer states in terms of trade and people-to-people exchange, the Premier said.

China is willing to work with other countries to deepen cooperation and exchanges within the SCO, the Premier said. That would offer more opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and SCO member states as well as observer states, and benefit peoples in the region.

Before the banquet, the Premier, together with foreign leaders attending the meeting, visited an exhibition on cooperation among SCO member states.