The prime ministers issued a joint declaration on the status and prospects for pragmatic cooperation within the organization in such fields as politics, economy, trade and culture. They stressed the importance of sustainable development and cooperation on disaster prevention and relief, agriculture and information technology. A regular meeting of leading officials in charge of disaster relief will be held in early 2009, they said.

The prime ministers also discussed how to address the global financial crisis. In view of the need to strengthen links between businesses and banks, the prime ministers proposed that bank officials and entrepreneurs from member states jointly sponsor an economic forum for major business leaders.

Premier Wen made several suggestions about coping with the current financial crisis. He said the key factors for tackling the crisis are confidence, responsibility and cooperation. SCO members should deliver a strong message to the world that they will unite to cope with the crisis, stabilize financial systems and restore confidence in the market, he stressed, confirming that China is willing to communicate and coordinate with other SCO member states.

He also made a four-point proposal on strengthening cooperation among SCO members, stressing regional trade and economic cooperation and technology and cultural exchanges. He said that SCO members should make joint efforts on clean energy, new technologies, the industrialization of scientific achievements as well as in culture, education, healthcare, youth exchanges, and disaster management and relief.

An October 31 People's Daily report said the SCO had made great achievements in maintaining regional security and stability, promoting common development among its members and constructing regional harmony. SCO member states cover about three-fifths of the Asian-European continent and have 1.5 billion people. Since SCO members have complementary economic structures, they have an advantage in resisting economic downturns if they cooperate well.

Achievements of Premier Wen's Tour

Speaking in Beijing on October 31, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi described three main achievements arising from Premier Wen Jiabao's visits to Russia and Kazakhstan and his attendance at the seventh Shanghai Cooperation Organization prime ministers' meeting:

- The Premier's visit to Russia deepened mutual trust, cooperation and friendship between China and Russia. The two sides signed 14 documents covering important projects such as the construction of a crude oil pipeline. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, they also agreed to plan cultural and folk exchanges in each country in 2009 and 2010.

- The Premier's visit to Kazakhstan advanced the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan. The two sides agreed to intensify cooperation in trade, energy, ports, security and other fields, ensuring the completion of the China-Kazakhstan gas pipeline and the second phase of an oil pipeline by the end of 2009.

- The Premier's attendance at the SCO prime ministers' meeting promoted confidence in combating the global financial crisis and boosted practical cooperation within the SCO framework. He addressed the meeting with specific proposals. He suggested that SCO members use the cooperation mechanism between their central banks and economic management sectors to ensure financial security, and strengthen their cooperation by using their advantages such as vast land, huge populations, rich natural resources, large markets and advanced technology. The premier's proposals have won widespread approval.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)