CRI听力:SCO plays vital role in safeguarding peace, security of region: Pakistani president

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain said in an interview that his country sees the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the SCO, as an important framework for regional cooperation. He said that it has played a vital role in safeguarding peace and security in the region.

CRI's reporter Guo Yan takes a closer look at the interview with the Pakistani president ahead of his departure for the upcoming SCO summit in Qingdao.

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain said that the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, equality, shared development, and respect for diversity offers a template for a new kind of multilateral cooperation in the face of increasing isolationism by some of the world's major powers.

"We have seen some important countries have gone inward. At this point, the role of SCO has become very important. Governance of president Xi Jinping has become a model for developing countries. President Xi Jinping, I consider him, is one of the world leaders, all the countries in the region are going to get benefit from the wisdom of president Xi Jinping."

The Pakistani President also hailed the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure as an important forum. He said that his country is ready to share its experience in tackling the menace of terrorism through the SCO.

President Hussain said that Pakistan, which became a member of the SCO last year, is committed to using the values of the Shanghai Spirit as a guide to enhance its relations with all SCO members.

Speaking about the Belt and Road Initiative, the president said that it is already acting as a catalyst for economic growth and integration across Eurasia, the Middle East and Africa.

He also spoke positively of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative, saying that it is already bearing fruit in the form of stronger economic ties between China and Pakistan thanks to projects in the transport and energy sectors, which have also helped to create new jobs.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is in line with the development philosophy of the SCO. Many infrastructure and energy projects are fast approaching completion. The Gwadar Port has become operational. Many social welfare projects have also been completed in Gwadar. We hope that the corridor can help facilitate trade and connection between SCO members and the rest of the world. "

President Hussain also reaffirmed Pakistan's position that the maintenance of peace and security is a collective responsibility, and that disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully through negotiations.

"Pakistan has always supported China on the issue of the South China Sea. China's policy has enabled countries in this region to become prosperous and see benefits. I hope that the wisdom and vision of President Xi about this issue will succeed in future."

The forthcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which runs over the weekend in east China's coastal city of Qingdao, will be the first after a membership expansion to include India and Pakistan last year.