**SCO and ASEAN Leaderships Discuss Enhanced Cooperation Initiatives in Beijing**
The Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, and the Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kao Kim Hourn, held talks in Beijing to explore ways to deepen cooperation between their organizations. The meeting, hosted at the SCO Secretariat, focused on building on existing frameworks to enhance practical collaboration in pivotal areas, including security, economic development, and humanitarian efforts.
During their discussions, both leaders underscored the shared priorities and complementary agendas that unite the SCO and ASEAN. They highlighted the geographical and cultural ties between their member states, as well as a common commitment to key principles such as regional security, sustainable economic progress, and human welfare.
A central topic of the meeting was the implementation and further development of cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two organizations in 2005. Both sides acknowledged the untapped potential for greater coordination and agreed on the need to strengthen regular contacts, not only between the General Secretaries but also among relevant departments within the executive bodies of both organizations.
The discussion included proposals aimed at broadening the partnership, with participants expressing keen interest in sharing knowledge and best practices based on their respective organizational experiences. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering mutual understanding and harnessing synergies for mutual benefit.
The meeting was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Ms. Hou Yanqi, alongside officials from the secretariats of SCO and ASEAN. The discussions took place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the positive momentum in relations between the two regional blocs.
