On April 19, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Zhang Ming in Beijing.

Qin Gang said that the SCO is an important platform for regional countries to seek strength through unity and has played an important role in safeguarding regional security and stability and promoting common development and prosperity. At the Samarkand Summit last year, President Xi Jinping took stock of the successful experience of the SCO and reached new, important common understandings with the leaders of the participating countries on expanding cooperation in various fields, charting the course for the SCO's future development. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with other member states, actively implement the three initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, and jointly build an even closer community with a shared future. Qin suggested that the SCO vigorously carry forward the "Shanghai Spirit", enhance political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in various fields, firmly uphold international fairness and justice, steadily advance the SCO expansion process, improve internal development and ensure the efficient operation of various mechanisms.

Qin Gang spoke highly of the work of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat, and expressed the hope that the Secretariat will further play its coordinating role, advance cooperation in various fields in a coordinated manner, continuously enhance cohesion and action, and bring the development of the SCO to new heights. As an important founding member of the SCO and the host country of the SCO Secretariat, China will continue to strongly support the work of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat.

Zhang Ming said that he will lead the Secretariat to earnestly implement the common understandings reached between the heads of state, make good preparations for major events, constantly improve the work of the Secretariat, and work for greater development of the SCO. He thanked China for its strong support for the work of the Secretariat.