Chinese PM: SCO plays key role in keeping peace, stability in Eurasia

ASTANA, Dec. 15  -- Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Monday that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) plays a pillar role in peaceful development in Eurasia and its member states should work together to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

At the 13th SCO prime ministers' meeting, Li said the SCO should help preserve regional security and stability to address challenges such as drug trafficking, organized crime and cyber crime, and further improve security cooperation mechanism to curb terrorism.

Li proposed that the member states negotiate an anti-terrorism convention and enable regional anti-terrorism agencies to fight against drug trafficking.

On the basis of such a convention, Li said, a center addressing security challenges should also be established.

Li advocated for supporting the Afghan government to maintain domestic stability and realize national reconciliation and economic reconstruction.

China will firmly safeguard regional stability and stick to peaceful development, Li said.

He also proposed to cultivate new areas for regional economic cooperation and speed up regional integration.

China has reached consensus with Kazakhstan on the cooperation in production capacity, Li said. China is willing to export its capacity of producing steel, cement, glass and electricity as well as processing natural and other resources to Kazakhstan, which initiated the Bright Road project aimed at revitalizing its economy.

The Chinese premier said that his country will also offer financing support to Kazakhstan and other SCO members.

Li voiced the hope that the SCO members further facilitate trade and investment, reduce trade and investment barriers and improve customs clearance efficiency.

The Silk Road Economic Belt initiated by the Chinese side could be interconnected with the Bright Road and other similar proposals by other countries, Li said, encouraging all SCO members to discuss projects aimed at promoting infrastructure construction and upgrading industries.